Who is truly the mightiest Junior Heavyweight?

Kosei Fujita won Best of the Super Juniors over El Desperado, and now he’s coming for the title! Will the Japanese Young Punk become a mighty IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Zane Jay; Time Limit Draw.
• Kickoff – Shoma Kato & Masatora Yasuda VS Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Murashima & Nagai win.
• 10 Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• Six Man Tag: Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS TMDK; Hiromu, Takagi & Tsuji win.
• Ace Final Road VS Tiger Mask 30th Anniversary: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tiger Mask; Tanahashi wins.
• G1 Climax 35 Last Chance Play-in Gauntlet: Taichi wins and advances to the G1 Climax, A Block.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: SHO & DOUKI VS YOH & Master Wato; Sho & Douki win and retain the titles.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Kosei Fujita; Desperado wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Six Man Tag: Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS TMDK…

The former Los Ingobernables de Japon wins by hitting Hartley Jackson with a #PumpingBlaster, but then are confronted by Daiki Nagai. The Young Lion knows they’re not a faction right now, but he still wants to hang with these ungovernable stars. Shingo Takagi says why not, and Hiromu Takahashi says that since they’re not really affiliated, Daiki can do what he wants. Yota Tsuji tells Nagai to be ready for anything, and Nagai nods. These four head out, will something new rise from the ashes of LIJ?

Ace Final Road VS Tiger Mask 30th Anniversary: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tiger Mask!

Two legendary careers cross paths one last time for quite the milestone moment. The Ace’s finish line is on the horizon, but it’s like the legendary Super Junior will never stop! But who shines brightest tonight in Korakuen Hall?

The fans cheer as Tanahashi takes off the jacket and shows off the abs. The two shake hands and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The bell rings, the fans rally and duel, “TA-NA-HASHI! TA-NA-HASHI!” “TAI~GA! TAI~GA!” They circle, feel things out, and Tiger KICKS! Tanahashi walks it off, they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Tiger wrenches out to a wristlock, puts on the pressure, but Tanahashi drops to drop toehold. Tanahashi ties up the legs, floats to a headlock, but Tiger wrenches free. Tanahashi wrenches back, Tiger goes to a corner, and the ref calls the break. Tanahashi lets go, the fans applaud, and the two reset.

The fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up again. Tanahashi puts Tiger in the corner, the ref calls the break, but then Tanahashi puts Tiger’s leg in the ropes to DROPKICK! The fans are torn as Tanahashi air guitars. Tanahashi pushes Tiger to center, grabs the leg, and drops an elbow on it! Tiger fights back with a chinlock but Tanahashi pulls on the leg. Tanahashi then traps the legs for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Tiger endures, the fans rally, and Tiger CHOPS! And CHOPS! Tanahashi eggs Tiger on, Tiger CHOPS again, but Tanahashi puts on the pressure. Tiger endures to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Tanahashi CHOPS back!

Tanahashi puts on the pressure, Tiger crawls around, and the fans rally as he reaches the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go to stomp Tiger’s leg. Tanahashi drags Tiger up, but Tiger fires fast hands and a KNEE! Tiger shakes out the bad leg, brings Tanahashi around, but Tanahashi fires fast hands of his own! Tanahashi runs, but Tiger SOBATS! Tiger TOSSES Tanahashi out, the fans fire up, and Tiger builds speed! Tiger DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Tanahashi! The fans cheer as Tiger rises again. Tiger leaves Tanahashi behind to roll into the ring, and the fans rally for Tanahashi. The ring count starts as Tanahashi stirs.

Tanahashi is still down at 8 of 20, stands at 10, and goes to the apron at 11. Tiger is on Tanahashi, but Tanahashi ROCKS him, grabs the bad leg, and hits a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tiger falls back and Tanahashi climbs as the fans fire up. But Tiger RAMS the corner to trip Tanahashi up! Tiger then CHOPS Tanahashi, climbs up to join him, and the fans rally as Tiger underhooks the arms! The fans rally as Tanahashi resists the lift. Tanahashi fires forearms, but Tiger SHOTEIS then HEADBUTTS! Tiger brings Tanahashi to the very top, SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up and Tiger hurries to underhook! TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!

Tanahashi survives the OG Tiger Driver and the fans fire up. Tiger chicken wings the arms, but Tanahashi powers Tiger backwards into the buckles! Tiger comes back to waistlock, but Tanahashi switches. Tiger drops and victory rolls, TWO! But into a KNEEBAR! Tanahashi endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Tiger pulls on the leg while he has the grapevine, but Tanahashi manages the ROPEBREAK! Tiger lets go, the fans applaud, and Tiger KICKS Tanahashi’s leg! And KICKS! And KICKS! Tiger KICKS the leg out from under Tanahashi! Tiger then hurries, and he has the FIGURE FOUR! Tanahashi endures again while the fans fire up!

Tiger reaches out to grab Tanahashi’s arm! Tanahashi endures this 4.5 Lock, the fans rally up, and Tanahashi fights to turn things over! Tiger pulls on the main leg but Tanahashi still reaches out. Tanahashi turns the hold over! Tiger endures now, then he turns it over, ROPEBREAK! The ref helps undo the leglock, and the fans rally as Tiger rises. Tiger eggs Tanahashi on, then KICKS the leg! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Tiger runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up with Tanahashi and he stands Tiger back up. TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi wants Tiger to get up again, and he powers up. Tiger stands, Tanahashi runs, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Tiger toughs it out. Tanahashi waits on Tiger again, and Tiger gets fired up! Tiger shoves Tanahashi, Tanahashi SLAPS Tiger, then Tanahashi runs! SLINGBLADE! Tiger is down in the drop zone and Tanahashi hurries up top! The fans cheer for the HIGH FLY FLOW! Cover, Tanahashi wins!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Tiger Mask’s 30th Anniversary isn’t much of a celebration, but he still fought with all his heart, and for that he can hold his head up high. Will Tiger’s 31st year be one to remember? Will Tanahashi continue to add great moments to his final year?

G1 Climax 35 Last Chance Play-in Gauntlet!

It is unfortunate news that former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Hirooki Goto, is now out with injury. But while he will miss out on the iconic tournament, that is an opportunity for Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima and Chase Owens to redeem themselves. Who survives three epic battles and heads for the grueling round robin?

First out are “The Lonestar Outlaw” and the King of Bread Style! Will it be High Noon in Korakuen? Or is this gauntlet going to be cozy?

Chase Owens VS Satoshi Kojima!

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Kojima while he stares Chase down. Chase takes his time stepping up to Kojima, and the two feel out a knuckle lock. But then Chase kicks low, CLUBS away on Kojima, and bumps him off buckles. Chase stomps a mudhole in, pushes the ref aside, and then headlocks to PUNCH Kojima! The fans boo and the ref reprimands about the closed fist, but Chase threatens to give the ref one. Chase brings Kojima up to CLUB him, then he runs, but Kojima RUNS him over! The fans cheer and the pecs dance while Chase goes to a corner. Kojima storms up to stomp and punch Chase.

Kojima climbs up, and the fans cheer as he rains down fists! Kojima quickly gets to TEN, then he makes the pecs dance more. Chase flops out of the ring, Kojima storms over to the ropes, but Chase trips him! Chase drags Kojima out, SMACKS him off the apron, then fires a BODY BLOW! Chase reels Kojima in, but Kojima fights the suplex! Kojima fires body shots, ROCKS Chase with a forearm, but Chase CLAWS Kojima’s eyes! Chase refreshes the ring count, CHOKES Kojima, but the ref reprimands. The new count is 10 of 20, Chase rolls in, and then rolls back out. Kojima rolls back in, but Chase stands on him at the ropes!

The fans boo, the ref counts, but Chase kicks Kojima to the outside. Chase then goes out to SMACK Kojima off the apron! Chase tells fans to move aside, then drags Kojima up. The ref reprimands, Chase argues with him, but Kojima SWEEPS the legs out! The fans cheer as Kojima goes to the apron and brings Chase up. Kojima reels Chase in, flexes, and APRON DDTS! The fans cheer while Chase sputters! Kojima goes into the ring, stalks Chase to a corner, and stomps Chase. Kojima CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up and Kojima unloads an extra big clip! Kojima then whips corner to corner, runs in, and forearm SMASHES!

Kojima shoves Chase down and the fans join in on “ICHAZOU, BAKAYAROU!” Kojima goes up, COZY ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Chase stays in this but the fans continue to cheer Kojima. Kojima fires a flurry of forearms, then a ROLLING ELBOW! Kick and DDT! Chase is down but Kojima doesn’t cover, he rises up to bring Chase back around. Kojima cravats but Chase fights the cutter! Chase throws body shots, shoves Kojima to a corner, forearm SMASH, and then a snapmare, “I hate your ugly face!” KNEE! The fans applaud the string of moves, and Chase hurries to wrench, hammerlock, and HIGH- NO, Kojima ducks the lariat! COZY CUTTER!

The fans fire up again as Kojima throws off the elbow pad! Chase stands, Kojima runs, but C-TRIGGER hits first! And then another C-TRIGGER! Cover, TWO! Kojima survives and the fans fire up! Chase hurries to wrench, hammerlock, and HIGH NOON!! Cover, TWO?!? Chase is stunned that Kojima survives, but he mocks taking off the elbow pad. Chase has Kojima on the ropes and runs up to BLINDSLIDE LARIAT! Chase keeps moving, he builds up speed, but COZY LARIAT hits first!! The fans fire up while both men are down! Chase and Kojima rise again, and Kojima roars! COZY- NO, the ref is used as as shield! LOW BLOW!!

The fans boo but Chase tucks Kojima in! LAST TESTAMENT!! Cover, Chase ELIMINATES Kojima! Chase may’ve changed his style but that was still quite the heist! But there ain’t no rest for the wicked, because here comes the Holy Emperor! Will Taichi make sure this outlaw faces justice?

Chase Owens VS Taichi!

SANADA ATTACKS TAICHI! The Cold-Blooded Snake strikes when least expected! The fans boo but Chase distracts the ref so that Sanada can bring Taichi around, and shove him into Milano Collection AT! The fans boo more but Sanada drags Taichi up to put in the ring. Chase stops distracting the ref, the bell rings, C-TRIGGER! High stack, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up! Chase reels Taichi in, tucks the arms, LAST- NO, Taichi fights the lift and BACKDROPS free! The fans rally, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” and he finally gets his jacket off. Chase stomps Taichi, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS!

Chase whips, Taichi reverses, but Taichi blocks boots. Chase reels Taichi in, KICKS him, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Taichi falls, Chase covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Taichi stays in this, but Chase is annoyed. Chase drags Taichi up, fireman’s carries, but Taichi slips free. Chase mule kicks, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up as both men are down again! Taichi and Chase stir, rise up, and Chase goes to ropes. Chase storms up but Taichi SOBATS! And BUZZSAWS! The fans rally behind Taichi and he TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi aims from the corner, but Chase grabs at the ref!

Sanada grabs Taichi’s foot! The fans boo but Chase runs in, forearm SMASH! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Taichi continues to survive this unofficial 2v1! Chase vows to end it now, and he aims from the corner. Taichi slowly rises up, Chase runs, but Taichi dodges! Chase stops short of running into the ref! And then SHOVES the ref into Taichi! The ref goes down, Chase hammerlocks, HIGH NOON! Then Sanada joins in! The fans boo as Sanada stomps Taichi with those silly Astro Boy boots while Chase CHOKES Taichi! The fans still rally for Taichi while Sanada goes back outside.

Chase drags Taichi up, and Sanada brings out his guitar! The fans boo, but here comes Ishii! Ishii CLOBBERS Sanada! Chase ROCKS Ishii! Sanada runs up, Ishii ducks, Sanada CLOBBERS Chase! Ishii reels Sanada in for a BRAINBUSTER! Ishii coaches Taichi to get this done, then he gets the ref back in the ring. The fans fire up and Taichi aims at Chase! But Chase blocks Ax Bomber to POINT-BLANK C-TRIGGER! Chase drags Taichi up, tucks him in, but Taichi trips Chase! LAST SUPPER CRADLE! TAICHI ELIMINATES CHASE!! But then Chase goes after Taichi like the sore loser that he is!

But then Ishii goes after Chase! The fans fire up as Ishii and Chase throw hands! Ishii TOSSES Chase out, and then Young Lions drag Chase away! Sanada is upset but the ref has the Young Lions watch him, too. But now, this means tag partners must face off as it is just Taichi and Ishii. Which half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions will head for the G1?

Taichi VS Tomohiro Ishii!

The fans rally while the ref checks Taichi. Taichi is still able to continue, though he slowly rolls out of the neutral corner. Taichi makes it back to his blue corner, and Ishii aggressively encourages his teammate to get up. Taichi does rise up, and the bell rings on the final round! The fans rally, Ishii eggs Taichi on now, then runs up to LARIAT Taichi in the corner! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Ishii whips, Taichi reverses, but Ishii comes back! Ishii blocks a boot to ROCK Taicih, and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again. Ishii sits Taichi up, runs, but Taichi avoids the sliding lariat!

Taichi bails out and pretty much flops to the floor. The fans rally as both ref and Ishii go out after Taichi. The ref checks Taichi but Ishii doesn’t give him much time. Ishii puts Taichi in the ring and the fans applaud. Ishii and the ref go back inside, and Ishii drags Taichi up. Taichi KICKS Ishii’s leg! And KICKS it again! And KICKS it again! Ishii CHOPS Taichi and Taichi drops to his knees! The fans rally while Taichi is down, and Ishii paces while the ref checks on Taichi. The fans rally even harder now but Ishii brings Taichi up. Ishii CLUBS Taichi on the neck, CLUBS him again, then follows Taichi to the ropes.

Ishii CHOPS, CHOPS, and forearms! Ishii fires off those shots on repeat, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Taichi drops to his knees, but Ishii kicks at him. Ishii eggs Taichi on by asking where his fighting spirit went. The fans rally, Ishii kicks at Taichi more, but Taichi rises to his feet. Ishii CHOPS, Taichi eggs him on now, so Ishii CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, BACKHANDS, then KICKS! Taichi wrenches, but Ishii blocks the hook kick! Ishii SHOVES Taichi down, but needs to steady himself first. Ishii runs in, Taichi dodges and GAMANGIRIS! The fans rally while both men are down!

Ishii and Taichi stir, but Taichi sits up first. The fans continue to cheer Taichi on as he stands again. Taichi shakes out the stars while he storms over to Ishii. Taichi RIDGE HANDS again and again, but Ishii eggs him on! Taichi fires off a flurry, then ROCKS Ishii! Ishii slumps against the ropes and the fans fire up! Taichi backs off, then sits Ishii up to KICK in the back! The fans cheer while Ishii writhes. Taichi stands Ishii up to KICK him in the chest! Ishii perks up and ROCKS Taichi! Taichi GAMANGIRIS right back! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Taichi rises again, and he waits on Ishii.

Ishii slowly stands up, Taichi runs the ropes, AX- NO, Ishii dodges! But then Taichi dodges! But Ishii’s LARIAT hits first! The fans fire up while Taichi falls and Ishii leans on the ropes. Ishii goes back to Taichi, stands him up, and hoists him to the top rope. The fans rally as Ishii climbs, and he brings Taichi to the very top! Stalling SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up as Ishii covers, TWO! Taichi gets his feet on the ropes for good measure and the fans rally up again. Ishii drags Taichi up, reels him in, but Taichi fights the lift! Taichi wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ishii LARIATS! Taichi AX- NO, Ishii HEADBUTTS first!! But both men fall back as the fans fire up again!

The ref checks Taichi while Ishii sits up. The fans rally for Taichi as hard as they can but Ishii is on Taichi first. The chants start to duel now as Ishii’s fans show themselves. Ishii gets Taichi up, LAST RIDE!! High stack, TWO!?! Ishii sits Taichi up, runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives again but Ishii roars! The fans fire up and Ishii brings Taichi around. Taichi wrenches out to DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Both men are down again and the fans fire up again! Both men stir while the fans rally, and Taichi sits up first. Taichi goes to the ropes, Ishii goes to a corner, and Ishii runs up! Taichi BOOTS, but Ishii still LARIATS!

Ishii runs, but into an AX BOMBER!! Taichi vows to end this, and he hoists Ishii up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Ishii survives now and the fans are thunderous again! Both men slowly stir, and Taichi roars as he stands tall! Taichi stands Ishii up, POINT-BLANK AX BOMBER!! Ishii gets stuck upside-down for a moment, but Taichi just powers up again! AX- RISING HEADBUTT!! Both men fall over again and the fans continue to rally! Ishii crawls over to a corner, drags himself up with the ropes, and he sees Taichi rising. Ishii runs the ropes to- NO, Taichi gets around to DANGEROUS SAIDO again! But Ishii rises?!?

Ishii staggers around, finds Taichi, but gets a GAMANGIRI! Ishii roars and runs up, but into a “JUMBO” BACK SUPLEX!! BRIDGING COVER! TWO!! Ishii escapes and the fans are electric! The fans rally as hard as they have all night as Taichi rises again. Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi goes to a corner. Taichi aims, TENSHO- NO, Ishii dodges the kick! But Taichi Alabama Lifts! Ishii fights that to lift and PILEDRIVER!! Wait, Taichi rises right up!? BUZZSAW but Ishii blocks! Ishii ROCKS Taichi, Taichi URAKENS, Ishii ROLLING ELBOWS! Taichi ROLLING ELBOWS!! Ishii falls and the fans are electric!

Taichi slaps some sense into himself before he then sets up in a sumo stance! Ishii rushes, Taichi runs up, but Ishii Alabama Lifts!? To steal BLACK MEPHISTO!! The fans are going nuts as Ishii hits Taichi with Taichi’s own move! Ishii then goes to a corner, slaps some sense back into himself, and he roars as he stands back up! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taichi sputters and rises. Ishii runs, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Taichi survives but Ishii nods, this is what he wants from Taichi! Ishii roars again, brings Taichi back up, and reels him in for a suplex! But Taichi fights free, wrenches, then trips Ishii, to GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!!

Ishii escapes in time and the fans are thunderous! Ishii BATTERING RAM HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taichi survives with nanoseconds to spare! Ishii roars, hauls Taichi up, suplex and- NO, Taichi fights free, scoops, EMERALD FLOWSION!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous again! Both men are down but the fans rally up. Taichi rises first, but he flops against the ropes. Taichi pounds the mat and fires back up! The fans are with him as he aims at Ishii! Ishii rises, into TEN- NO, he blocks the superkick to ENZIGIRI! But Taichi stays up to SUMO FOREARM! But Ishii gets back up!?

Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And then TENSHO JUJIHOU!! And then the BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, TAICHI WINS!!

Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (advances to the G1 Climax)

Despite almost being cheated by Chase & Sanada, and then this epic battle with his tag partner and friend, Taichi comes out on top! He shows Ishii great respect, then stands to take the mic. The fans cheer him on, and he thanks them for that. He also apologizes if he’s acting like he’s already won the G1. The fans applaud that, they understand. “This past year has been tough for me, so I’m elated that the G1 called for me again.” The fans applaud that, and Taichi says, “I’ve been quite pathetic, but I really appreciate those cheers.” The fans applaud again while Taichi takes a quick bow.

Taichi continues with a fiery shout, “Oi, listen up! This is the first-ever ‘Loser Revival Dream Quest!’ Follow my lead in this year’s G1 Climax!” The fans fire up and Taichi hits the mic drop! Will Taichi make the most of this “last chance” and finally hold up that G1 trophy?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: SHO & DOUKI VS YOH & Master Wato!

The House of Torture just dropped the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles to Hontai, but that is not enough recompense for all they have done! Will the Murder Machine & Japonese Del Mal lose the rest of their gold? Or can they deny “Direct Drive of the Grandmaster” their revenge?

Yoh & Wato show off their new NEVER titles during their entrance, and surprisingly, no sneak attack from Sho & Douki. The introductions are made, the Junior Heavyweight titles are raised, but then Sho grabs the mic so he can talk. He is still upset Wato & Yoh literally stole these belts before, and asks what Yoh is even doing using old ricebags as part of his wardrobe. Sho promises whatever happens, it’ll still be like old times when- Yoh snatches the mic and tells Wato, “Get ’em!” Wato DOUBLE DROPKICK Sho & Douki outta the ring! Then Wato builds speed to FLY! Down go Sho & Douki, and Yoh says it’s go-time!

The bell rings, Wato puts Douki in for Yoh, and Yoh ties Douki up in Paradise! The fans cheer and Wato puts Sho in! Yoh ties Sho up in Paradise, too! The fans fire up for the stereo Paradise Locks! Yoh & Wato line up the shots, and DOUBLE DROPKICK Sho & Douki outta paradise! The ref reprimands, one in and one out. Sho tumbles out, Yoh & Wato DOUBLE SUPLEX! Wato covers, TWO! Wato & Yoh bring Douki up again, whip him corner to corner, then Yoh sends Wato in. Douki dodges to dropkick Yoh’s legs! Sho trips Wato, Douki slides out, and they YANK Wato into the POST! Sho SLAMS Wato’s legs against the post, but the ref reprimands.

Sho stops, but Douki SLAMS Wato’s legs into the post! Sho then stands Yoh up, has fans clear out, and BOWLS Yoh into the chairs! The chairs don’t really budge so Sho might need to practice his bowling. But Sho goes to his corner, Douki tags him in, and Sho drags Wato from the corner. Sho has the leg to SMASH it off the mat! Then Sho stands Wato up to TOSS him out! Sho argues with the ref, but this lets Douki JAM Wato up with the Death Pipe! Douki uses the pipe as part of a HALF BOSTON CRAB! The fans boo but Wato suffers behind the ref’s back! Douki stops to then put Wato in the ring, and Sho grabs the leg to SMASH it again!

Sho tags Douki, Douki has the leg, and he SMASHES it! Tag back to Sho, he grabs the leg, and he SMASHES it again! Wato writhes but Sho tags Douki in, and they DOUBLE SMASH! Wato clutches his knees but Douki drags him around. Douki turns Wato over, HALF CRAB! Sho keeps Yoh back while Wato endures again. The fans rally as Wato fights his way forward, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Douki holds on. The ref counts but Douki lets go at 4. Douki tags Sho and they both stomp Wato around. They kick at Wato to toy with him, but the fans rally up. Wato fires forearms in return, but Sho kicks the leg out!

Wato KICKS Sho, Douki kicks Wato, then Douki whips Wato. Wato reverses and manages a scoop BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Wato crawls for his corner, but Sho drags him back! Wato fires a forearm, then dodges one to ZIGZAG! Down goes Sho and the fans fire up again! Wato crawls but Sho grabs at a leg! Wato still hot tags Yoh! The fans fire up as Yoh rallies on Sho & Douki! Forearm, forearm, DROPKICK, DROPKICK! Douki tumbles out, Yoh blocks Sho’s kick, but Sho CLAWS Yoh’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Sho whips, but Yoh reverses and DROPKICKS again! The fans fire up while Sho bails out!

Yoh hurries to the ropes, and he PLANCHAS Sho down! The fans fire up for Yoh even more, and he brings Sho back into the ring. Yoh drags Sho up to scoop and SLAM! Then Yoh poses, soaks up the cheers, and then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! but Yoh KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yoh SPLASHES but onto knees! Sho knows Yoh too well for that to work! Sho reels Yoh into SNAKEBITE, but Yoh jackknife bridges! TWO, and Sho KICKS Yoh in the arm! Sho wrenches that arm, kicks, KICKS, and SUPER- NO, Yoh blocks that kick, but Sho CLAWS Yoh’s eyes! The ref counts, Sho takes a swing, but Yoh dodges!

Yoh kicks low, runs, but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho runs, but Yoh sends the ref back at him! Sho sends the ref back, Yoh shoves the ref down! Yoh kicks, runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Sho GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Yoh is up to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Sho and Yoh stir as the fans rally up. They both crawl for their corners, hot tags to Douki and Wato! The fans fire up as Wato dodges, SOBATS, and whips Douki. Douki reverses, runs in, but Wato BOOTS him! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Wato and he fires up. Wato brings Douki up, wrenches and hooks him up, RECI- NO, Douki fights free!

Douki reels Wato into a Gory Especial, but Wato fights free and arm-drags! Douki stands, Wato runs up, but Douki BOOTS Wato while going to the apron! DAY- NO, Wato blocks the DDT to suplex! Douki slips free, waistlocks, but Wato switches. Douki fires elbows, goes to run, but Wato reels him back in. Douki uses the British Escape, then mule kicks, then basement dropkicks the leg! Sho runs in just to BLAST Yoh off the apron! Sho then goes to Wato and warps the bad leg around ropes! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Sho stops at 4. Douki has the pipe again! PIPE ATTACK to the leg!! The fans boo but Douki gets away with that one!

Douki drags Wato by the bad leg, and now he ties Wato into the PARADISE FIGURE FOUR! The fans rally while Wato endures! Wato reaches out, uses his one free arm to crawl around, but Douki THRASHES the hold! Wato still fights, still flails, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go in frustration while the fans cheer. Sho returns, he and Douki each grab a leg, and they DOUBLE SMASH the knees again! The ref reprimands but Sho holds the bad leg out. Douki runs up but Yoh SHOTGUNS Douki first! Yoh then DROPKICKS Sho! Yoh ELBOWS Douki, holds him in, and Wato runs up! Yoh puts Wato on the apron, then reels Douki in.

Wato climbs while Yoh hits the FALCON ARROW! Wato adds the DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans fire up and Wato covers, but Sho SPEARS Yoh onto the ref!! The fans boo but Sho hurries to grab his Torture Tool! Sho aims, but Wato ROUNDHOUSES the wrench away! Then RECIENTEMENTE for Sho!! But the ref is down, he can’t any cover! Wato goes to the ref, but here come Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru! The fans boo as Tokyo Pimp & Heel Master stomp away on Wato! But wait, here comes Toru Yano! The fans cheer but the Clown Prince just gets mugged 2v1! Yujiro holds Yano in place while Kanemaru swigs his whiskey!

Kanemaru aims, Yano ducks, but Kanemaru holds on! Kanemaru then blocks the low blow, he remembers that trick from before! But then Yano ducks the haymaker to send Kanemaru into Yujiro! Then Yano holds them both up for Wato to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The whiskey mist flies into the sky while Kanemaru & Yujiro tumble out of the ring! The fans fire up more as Yano drags those two away! Wato calls to Yoh, they fire up again, and they bring Douki up. A replacement ref is here, and we get the FALCON- NO, Douki slips free! Douki shoves Yoh but Wato saves the ref! Wato then ROUNDHOUSES Douki! Yoh SUPERKICKS Sho!

Wato & Yoh DOUBLE SUPERKICK Douki! The fans fire up as Yoh hauls Douki back up, feeds him to Wato for a torture rack! RACK SLAM! Yoh goes out to stop Sho from getting in while Wato covers, TWO! Douki survives but Wato fires up with Korakuen! Wato drags Douki up, waistlocks, but Douki grabs the ref! No Tsutenkaku, and Sho SMACKS Wato with a metal panel! Sho JAMS Yoh up with it, then HEADSHOTS Wato!! Then FULL METAL STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Douki has Wato dead to rights, and he wheelbarrows for the SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, Sho & Douki win!!

Winners: Sho & Douki, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

It took a lot of new tricks, but the House of Torture found a way to cheat Yoh & Wato! Sho gives more stomps, but Yoh rushes in! Sho kicks Yoh, and Douki uses that metal sheet to SMACK Yoh down! The fans boo more but is there nothing that can be done to humble the House of Torture?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Kosei Fujita!

The Rogue Luchador won the 2024 Best of the Super Juniors, but could not pull off the back-to-back achievement. The Japanese Young Punk conquered Yoh’s chaos to earn this opportunity, and is ready to go for the gold. Will Fujita have it all? Or will Desperado continue to lead the Junior Heavyweight Division?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see who is truly the best of the super juniors!

The bell rings and Fujita DROPKICKS Despy right away! The fans fire up as Fujita brings the fight to the champ, then brings Despy up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Despy shoves Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS again! Fujita whips corner to corner, Despy reverses, but Fujita comes back to DROPKICK again! The fans rally while Despy bails out, and Fujita goes up, out, and up again to SUPER SWANTON! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Fujita puts Despy in, has the fans behind him, and he runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Despy stays in this but Fujita stays on him. Fujita stands Despy up to CHOP!

Fujita whips, Despy reverses, but Fujita drop toeholds, ties up the legs, but Despy scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go and the fans applaud. Fujita stands Despy up, CHOPS him again, then eggs him on. Despy gets in Fujita’s face and CHOPS back! Fujita CHOPS, Despy CHOPS, and the fans rally. Fujita CHOPS, Despy CHOPS, and repeat! Despy coughs, Fujita CHOPS him again, but Despy shakes his head. Despy shoves Fujita, Fujita CHOPS, and the CHOPS just go back and forth! The fans rally, Fujita CHOPS Despy against the ropes, then CHOPS him again! Despy gets in Fujita’s face again, and he CHOPS!

Fujita shakes his head and grits his teeth! Fujita CHOPS, CHOPS, but Despy gets back in his face. Despy fires a forearm! Fujtia still CHOPS! Despy goes to the ropes, Fujita CHOPS him again, and again, and again! Then he KICKS Despy in the chest! Despy stays on his feet, but Fujita KICKS again! Despy drops to a knee, the fans rally up, but Fujita feints the kick to CHOP again! Fujita whips, Despy reverses, and Despy TOSSES Fujita to the apron! Despy runs up, feints the haymaker, then dropkicks Fujita’s legs out! The fans applaud as Despy matches savvy with savvy, then goes out to fetch Fujita.

Despy grabs Fujita’s leg, SMASHES it on the floor, then leaves Fujita behind. Red Shoes wants this back in the ring but Despy tells him to hold on. The fans duel, Despy puts Fujtia in the ring, and the fans applaud. Despy step sup to the apron but Fujtia DECKS him! And then PLAN- NO, Despy slips inside! Fujita lands on the apron but his leg jams! And then Despy dropkicks the leg out! Despy again goes out to fetch Fujita, and he brings Fujita around, only for Fujita to CHOP! And CHOP! Despy kicks the leg! Despy then hooks Fujita up for a SHIN BREAKER! And then another SMASH to the floor!

Fujita writhes, Despy rolls into the ring, and Red Shoes checks on Fujita. Fujita is still able to continue so the ring count begins. Fujita clutches his knee while he crawls. The count climbs past 10 of 20! Then to 15! Fujita rises at 17, and he leaps into the ring at 18! The fans cheer but Despy is right on Fujita with another SHIN BREAKER! And then he YANKS the leg! Fujita writhes but Despy paces. The fans rally, Despy SPLASHES onto the bad leg, then he clamps on with a toehold! Fujita endures, grabs at the hair and mask, but Red Shoes reprimands. Despy pulls way back on the leg, then digs his knees into Fujita’s knee!

Fujita endures, Despy steps over and HIP DROPS the leg! Then Despy ties the legs up into an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Despy goes right to leaning back to put on the pressure! Fujita endures while Despy practically lounges, but the fans rally up. Despy stands and SLAPS Fujita’s leg. Fujita keeps his shoulders up, then CHOPS! Despy eggs Fujita on, so Fujita CHOPS again! Despy puts on the pressure by pushing on the knees! Despy rolls to add more pressure, but Fujita reaches for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes wants the hold undone, but Despy needs help. Red Shoes tries to help, and Despy pretends that it hurts!

Red Shoes apologizes but still tries, but it still “hurts!” Red Shoes says Despy needs to do something then! Despy undoes the leglock and gives Fujita space. Fujita leans against the ropes, slowly rises, but Despy storms up. Fujita CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Despy reels Fujita in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Despy has the bad leg for a HALF CRAB! Fujita endures again as Despy pulls and twists the leg! Despy drags Fujita around by the leg, but the fans rally as Fujita reaches out! Fujita fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! Despy lets go quickly this time and the fans applaud. And we’re just ten minutes into this!

The fans duel between Fujita and Despy as Despy hauls Fujita up. GUITARRA- NO, Fujita slips free, but Despy ELBOWS him! Despy whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Despy goes to a corner, Fujita goes to the other. Fujita slaps his leg into working, then runs up, only for Despy to put him on the apron! Fujita ducks a punch to ROCK Despy! Fujita springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita clamps onto the legs, ties them up, and he reaches for the chinlock! Despy fights his way forward but Fujita fires body shots! Fujita has one arm, then reaches for the other!

Despy reaches for ropes, Fujita throws more shots into Despy’s side, and Fujita grabs the right arm now! Despy still fights, frees that arm, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go of the leglock, but he comes back to waistlock! Deadlift, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy then spins around and clamps on a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Fujita endures, blocks Despy’s suplex, and the two fight for control! The fans rally, Despy lifts, but Fujita fights it! Fujita lifts, Despy fights it! Fujita waistlocks, Despy victory rolls, and float to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita endures, but Despy THRASHES the leg!

Fujita reaches out, but Despy catches him to NUMERO DOS! Fujita still has his free arm, and he claws at the mat to reach for ropes! Despy tries for that arm, but Fujita lunges forward, ROPEBREAK! Despy still THRASHES the leg! Red Shoes reprimands, Despy lets go, and Fujita clutches the knee. Despy stands, brings Fujita up, and he suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up and Despy covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans applaud more. The fans then duel as Despy looms over Fujita. Despy eggs Fujita on, but Fujita stands to CHOP! Despy shakes his head, but Fujita CHOPS again! Despy eggs him on more!

Fujita CHPOS, Despy CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally for this CHOP fight as it goes back and forth! CHOP after CHOP, and Fujita gets the edge! But Despy feints to KICK the leg, and ROCK Fujita with an elbow! But Fujita SPIN HEEL KICKS! Despy is down, we pass 15 minutes, and Fujita hauls Despy up! Fujita reels Despy in, but Despy fights the suplex! Despy wrenches, ducks a lariat, ripcord and SPINEBUSTER! And STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita endures but he crawls forward again. Despy gets an arm and we’re back in NUMERO DOS! Fujita activates the core to sit up, then he slips around for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Despy high stacks it, TWO!

ARMBAR!! Fujita pulls and Despy flails while the fans fire up! Despy rises up, high stacks again, TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita reaches out, but ends up in NUMERO DOS! Fujtia manages to roll, roll and cradle, TWO!!! Despy escapes with nanoseconds to spare! Fujita clamps on with a hammerlock! Then he gets the other arm, cording hold into the CLARKY- NO, Despy rolls to a cover, TWO! Fujita drop toeholds Despy to have the QUEEN ANGELITO, then the NEMOS SPECIAL~! Fujita has the full chinlock on it!! Despy pries at Fujita’s hands, but Fujita clamps them on tighter! The fans rally as hard as they can as Despy endures!

Despy pries the hands away, but Fujita KICKS him down! Fujita wants the arm, but Despy trips Fujita to have the leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita rolls, both men stand, LEG LARIAT into a FLYING DRAGON SCREW!! Despy then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS the leg!! The fans are thunderous as Despy’s right back on the STRETCH MUFFLER! Then NUMERO DOS! And then NUMERO DOS PLU- NO, Fujita powers Despy down with that trapped leg to have a modified KIMURA! Depsy fights up, Fujita activates the core at the same time, but Despy powers through to have NUMERO DOS!! Despy steps over the arm?!? NUMERO DOS PLUS ULTRA!! FUJITA QUITS, DESPY WINS!!!

Winner: El Desperado, by submission (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can be bent and twisted. Kosei Fujita could not withstand the pressure, but will he learn and grow from this loss?

As for Despy, he is given the belt back, and he holds it up high overhead. Then he grabs the mic to say, “Thanks for waiting, Fujita. You could have challenge me with all the momentum of your Super Juniors victory. The fans were all anticipating it, thinking they may see it at Osaka Jo-Hall. I was selfish, and you allowed me to make a promise with Jun Kasai for the next 10 years. I thank you for that.” The fans applaud, and Despy adds that, “After the match the other day, you said that there would be a big change in the Junior Division. Whether you win the title or not, that change is always happening.” The fans also applaud that.

Despy says he may not like bringing up career length or age, but… “But someone with more years has more to offer. Of course, no one is saying that there are veterans without anything to give. It’s not good to think about it that way. Bit if you talk like an old man, you’ll never get to that point. You’re amazing.” The fans applaud that, too, and Despy notes Fujita going out through the “champions corner” door. This is what he means! Fujita is awesome! He isn’t losing anything! Fujita said before that Despy was just holding onto the belt for him to take. Although Fujita has grown, he didn’t take it tonight.

When will Fujtia come again? Despy isn’t gonna sit and wait around. He didn’t wait for Douki, either. Despy is 100% focused on his next steps. “If you really want this, polish your skills and try again. Laters, Fujita.” The fans cheer that, and Despy stands up. “When I challenged Liger here, I had a pathetic showing. When I faced Kushida in Hiroshima, that was just as cringeworthy. This doesn’t compare to that. Challenging the same champion twice and losing? So what? Take it next time. But I won’t let it go. Laters!” Despy drops the mic and holds up the belt while the fans cheer and the streamers fly. Who will be next for the Rogue Luchador’s reign?

My Thoughts:

A great finish to the New Japan Soul series, and I like the surprise development that the faction formerly known as LIJ has Daiki Nagai wanting to move up right from Young Lion to rookie member of the team. We saw big things happen after Suzuki-Gun disbanded (though sadly, JustXGuys didn’t work out), so here’s hoping big things happen in the wake of LIJ no longer being the faction. Very good match from Tanahashi VS Tiger Mask, but I figured Tanahashi would win to bounce back from losing to Gabe Kidd.

That gauntlet match was great stuff, even with Chase having Sanada help him against Taichi. Chase still lost with Ishii helping Taichi, and Taichi VS Ishii was just plain awesome. Taichi winning was the right move, it goes in line with what Callum Newman put out there after their Play-In match. Great Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, but I figured after Hontai took the NEVER titles, these titles would stay with House of Torture. At least we got new, creative cheats for it. And then awesome main event, and Despy is right about Fujita being awesome and certainly the future of Junior Heavyweights in NJPW. But for now, Despy is still on top, and just about anyone can step up to be his next challenger.

My Score: 9/10