Will Konosuke Takeshita go from G1 Champion to IWGP World Champion?

After his triumph in the G1 Climax 35 Finals, Konosuke Takeshita is challenging Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Championship in Ryogoku! Will this new tradition bring a new champion?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• IWGP Women’s Championship: Sareee VS Syuri; Syuri wins and becomes the new IWGP Women’s Champion.
• Six Man Tag: Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan VS David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori & Clark Connors; Finlay, Taiji & Connors win.
• Ryogoku Riot: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SANADA; Drilla wins.
• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & YOH VS Ryohei Oiwa, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Bishamon & Yoh win.
• NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Time Limit Draw, ELP retains the title.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Boltin Oleg VS EVIL; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura; Oskar & Yuto win and retain the titles.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Yota Tsuji; Yota wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Konosuke Takeshita; Konosuke wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP Women’s Championship: Sareee VS Syuri!

The Sun Warrior made it through her quick trip to the USA and a title match with Alex Windsor to return home to Japan. But will she still be golden? Or will the Karate Girl chop Sareee down and take her title?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Queen of Pro-Wrestling!

The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Sareee goes for a leg but Syuri sprawls to block. Syuri floats over but Sareee spins through to waistlock. Syuri pries free, wrenches, but Sareee rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Syuri reaches back, headlocks, and grinds Sareee down. Sareee fights around, headlocks, but Syuri does the same to facelock. Sareee spins free to facelock, but Syuri TACKLES Sareee. Sareee has the leg guard, Syuri pops fere, and the fans applaud the standoff. The two reset and circle again as the fans rally. The two tie up, Sareee headlocks for the takeover, but Syuri headscissors.

Sareee kips free but Syuri kicks low. Syuri headlocks, Sareee fires body shots and powers out. Things speed up, Sareee drops then sidesteps to arm-drag! Syuri sweeps the cover, ONE! Sareee ducks a kick, and the two stare down. The fans cheer this newest standoff, and the two go forehead to forehead. Syuri shoves Sareee, then dodges her haymaker to DROPKICK! Sareee staggers to a corner, Syuri runs up to KNEE low! Syuri then reels Sareee in, HALF HATCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! But Syuri goes for an arm! Sareee clasps hands to block the armbar! Syuri pulls on the arm, pries the hands apart, and has the ARMBAR! But Sareee has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud as Syuri lets go. Syuri stomps Sareee at the ropes, bumps her off buckles, but Sareee pulls hair! Sareee is not having any of Syuri’s disrespect, but she’s a bit disrespectful by wrenching the hair, and she THROWS Syuri by her hair! The fans are torn, plenty of them booing, but Sareee just THROWS Syuri again! And DROPKICKS her! Sareee stomps Syuri at the ropes, stands on her, then goes up the ropes to HIP DROP! The fans rally as Sareee stomps Syuri but the ref reprimands. Sareee drags Syuri from the ropes, hooks up the legs, and puts on the pressure. SNAP LOCK! SNAP LOCK again! And then she pulls hair again!

The ref reprimands, Sareee lets go of the hair, and she rallies the fans for the MUTA LOCK! Syuri endures, reaches out, and the fans duel as Sareee pulls her back. Sareee lets Syuri go, stomps her down, and she eggs Syuri on. Sareee snapmares Syuri, then lines up a shot, PENALTY KICK to the back! The fans cheer but Syuri just gets mad. Syuri kicks Sareee low, snapmares her, and lines up her own PENALTY KICK! And another KICK! Syuri runs to PENALTY KICK from the front! Cover, TWO as Sareee goes Matrix! And then DROPKICK! The fans fire up, but Syuri stands to fire a forearm! Sareee CLUBS Syuri in return!

The fans rally as Syuri returns fire! Sareee returns fire, too! They go back and forth, shot for shot, harder and harder! Sareee gets mad and ROCKS Syuri, but Syuri ROCKS her in return! Sareee ROCKS, ROCKS, and ROCKS Syuri! Then she ROCKS Syuri against the ropes! The fans fire up while Syuri sputters. Sareee eggs her on, so Syuri storms up to SOBAT! Syuri runs, but Sareee DROPKICKS! Sareee runs but Syuri KNEES low! Sayuri runs, Sareee follows, wheelbarrow, victory roll, STOMP 182! The fans fire up and Sareee runs, to DROPKICK Syuri against the ropes! Not quite her Dropkick of the Sun but still pretty ferocious!

Sareee fires up, the fans rally, and Sareee scuffs Syuri. And scuffs her again. Syuri scowls, and she SLAPS Sareee! Sareee SLAPS back! The SLAPS go back and forth, and then Sareee HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS! Syuri staggers, the fans fire up, and Syuri returns the HEADBUTTS in kind! Both women stagger, then fire up, to DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Syuri and Sareee are dazed, but they’re still in this fight! The fans rally up as both women rise again. They head for each other, and they kick each other in the face while still on the mat! They kick back and forth, then they both stand.

Syuri takes a swing, Sareee dodges to waistlock, and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Syuri is right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while Sareee flounders. Syuri aims, and she KICKS Sareee down! And KICKS her down again! And KICKS her again! The fans rally, Syuri watches Sareee rise, BUZZ- NO, Sareee blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And then she DOUBLE STOMPS the thigh! Sareee fires up, the fans are with her, and Sareee hops up the corner, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS to the thigh! Syuri writhes but Sareee just goes back up. The fans rally, but Syuri manages to SLAP first! Syuri climbs and CLUBS away on Sareee.

Syuri then goes to the very top, has a double wristlock, for a SUPER DUPER ARM-DRAG! And then KIMURA!! Sareee flails, reaches out, claws at Syuri, and the fans rally up! Sareee fights around, but Syuri makes it an ARMBAR!! Sareee still makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Sareee survives by a foot. Syuri drags Sareee up, reels her in, and uses the ropes for a DRAPING DDT! Syuri strikes like a Viper and she drags Sareee up again to scoop. Syuri spins into the EMERALD FLOWSION! Cover, TWO! Sareee survives but Syuri is right on her. Syuri scoops again, for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally and Syuri vows to end this now! The fans cheer as Syuri drags Sareee up, and Electric Chair Lifts! Sareee flails free, ducks a kick, and gets under Syuri for a POWERBOMB! And then a RAIN OF HAMMER FISTS! Sareee HEADBUTTS Syuri, bringing out even more of her vicious side! Sareee runs, DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Sareee now puts Syuri in the drop zone. Sareee climbs, the fans cheer, and COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO!?! Syuri survives and Sareee is frustrated, but the fans fire up again! Sareee hauls Syuri up to HEADBUTT again! Then clinches and SUN EXPLODER!!

But Sareee isn’t done there! ANOTHER SUN EXPLODER!! And yet still, a THIRD SUN EXPLODER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Syuri survives and the fans are thunderous! Sareee wrenches, hammerlocks, clinches, but Syuri fights to the ropes! Sareee CLUBS Syuri, runs the ropes, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!! Syuri fires off KNEE after KNEE into Sareee, then runs, but Sareee clinches! SUN EXPLODER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Syuri survives again!! Sareee drags her up, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Syuri fights to a wristlock takedown! Sareee gets up, but Syuri KNEES her down! Cover, TWO!! Syuri drags Sareee up, avoids Sareee’s haymaker, and V-TRIGGERS!

Syuri aims, winds up, and BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Sareee is still in this and the fans fire back up! Syuri sits Sareee up and aims again, BUZZSAW!! Sareee flounders to ropes but Syuri is right on her! REAR HEADBUTT!! And then an Electric Chair Lift! The fans fire up for the SHUSEKAI!! Cover, SYURI WINS!!

Winner: Syuri, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Women’s Champion)

The Karate Girl just washed away the reign of the Sun Warrior! 114 days now resets to zero, and Syuri marks her name down as the first-ever TWO-TIME IWGP Women’s Champion! She made it to 55 days the first time around, will her second round be even greater?

Ryogoku Riot: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SANADA!

The 44 Caliber had enough of the Cold-Blooded Snake slithering away, so now there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide! There are no disqualifications, there are no count-outs, and there is nothing holding them back! Will this War Dog take a bite out of Sanada? Or will Sanada just stack the deck to avoid his “funeral?”

Wait, what’s going on with Sanada’s entrance? It weirdly restarts, and there’s a SECOND SANADA?! The one in the ring is in that disco ball sequin costume, but the one in the crowd is in the speaker shoulder vest! What is going on!? Which Sanada is the real Sanada?! Speaker Sanada goes to ringside, he also gets his introductions as Sanada, and when he takes off his sunglasses, that is certainly Sanada. Drilla makes his entrance now, can the War Dog sniff out the truth?

The bell rings, Drilla fires off hands on Sanada, then he LARIATS Sanada up and out! Drilla storms out after Sanada, and he has a fork! Drilla runs up, but Sanada kicks low! Sanada has the fork now! But Drilla blocks the attack! Drilla kicks low, and he JAMS Sanada with the fork! The fans fire up and Drilla JAMS Sanada again! And he DIGS the fork into Sanada’s forehead! Drilla tastes the fork, then he storms around the way to look under the ring. Drilla brings out a chair, brings it over to where he left Sanada, and he JAMS Sanada in the head! Sanada’s bloodied from the fork and that’s only gonna make it worse. Drilla JAMS Sanada again!

Sanada stumbles along railing, Drilla JAMS him up again! Drilla then opens the gate, and he tells fans to move! The Young Lions help that section of fans move aside, and Drilla brings Sanada around. Drilla SMACKS Sanada off a chair, then pushes chairs aside! Drilla makes a cluster of chairs, then goes back to ringside to bring out a TABLE! And another table! Drilla carries both tables back to where he left Sanada, and the fans applaud as Drilla sets up the furniture. Drilla has his tables side by side and the fans rally up. Drilla vows to end this already and the fans fire up again. Drilla drags Sanada up, reels him in, and lifts him up!

But Sanada fights free! Sanada hurries away, but Drilla CHUCKS the chair! Down goes Sanada! The fans fire up and Drilla looms over his prey. The fans bark for Drilla and he has the chair again. Drilla JAMS Sanada in the bloody forehead again, then SMACKS him on the back! And JAMS him in the head again! Sanada stumbles back the other way and Drilla lines up a shot. Drilla runs up, but Sanada BOOTS him! Drilla runs back in, but Sanada BACKDROPS him! Drilla bounces off the tables and then tumbles into the chair cluster! The fans fire up, and those tables are tough. Sanada goes after Drilla, SMACKS him off a table, and then hits a BACK SUPLEX through the table!

Drilla writhes in pain and the fans fire up again! Sanada lets the ref bother with Drilla while he goes looking for more plunder. Drilla crawls out of the wreckage, Sanada hurries back to fetch him and put him in the ring. The fans applaud as Sanada covers, TWO! Sanada is annoyed, he DECKS Drilla, and he wipes away blood as it trickles down his face. Sanada throws hands on Drilla in the corner, then backs off to catch his breath. Sanada whips Drilla corner to corner, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Drilla fires haymakers on that bloody forehead! But Sanada DROP LOW BLOWS! And though the fans boo, nothing can be done when it’s No Disqualifications!

Sanada runs, btu Drilla hurdles! And drops down! And DROPKICS! The fans fire up as Sanada bails out, and Drilla WRECKS him with a dropkick! Drilla puts Sanada back in, then he climbs up. The fans rally and Drilla MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and the fans rally up again. Drilla slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla reels Sanada in but Sanada fights it off! BACKDROP! The fans rally while both men are down, but Sanada rolls to the apron. Drilla hurries after Sanada on the outside, then back inside! Sanada leads Drilla on a cat ‘n’ mouse, then has his guitar! SMASH HIT on Drilla in the ropes!

Drilla falls in a heap, the fans boo, but Sanada has Drilla’s fork! Sanada sits Drilla up to JAM him in the head with it! Sanada shows he already has blood on his hands! Then he DIGS the fork into Drilla’s forehead! The blood flows as Sanada puts Drilla in the ring. The fans rally harder as Drilla sputters, his crimson mask almost instant compared to Sanada’s. Drilla sits up, but Sanada JAMS him in the forehead! Sanada then JAMS Drilla again, but Drilla SPITS at him! So Sanada DIGS the fork back in! The fans freak out, the ref asks if Drilla wants to quit, but he refuses! Sanada lets Drilla go, so that he can climb up the corner!

Sanada waits on Drilla to stand, for a FLYING FORK ATTACK!! Drilla goes down and Sanada tosses the fork aside. Drilla still rises up, but into a SHINING WIZARD! Sanada huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Drilla to the drop zone. Sanada goes up, up, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out as Drilla moves! Drilla gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Sanada lands out, Drilla runs in, but Sanada sends him into the ref! Sanada then tilt-o-whirls, into the dragon sleeper! But Drilla gut wrenches Sanada, flips him over, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, but the ref is out! Drilla would’ve won twice over by now! And now the House of Torture is here!

Yoshinobu Kanemaru JAMS Drilla up with the whiskey bottle, and then Dick Togo uses the SPOILER CHOKER! The fans boo as Drilla suffers, and they tell the House to go home! Kanemaru drags Sanada onto the cover, Dick gets the ref to count, TWO!!! Drilla survives so Kanemaru TOSSES the ref aside! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER again, and Kanemaru takes aim with the whiskey bottle, but CLARK CONNORS is here! He runs up on Kanemaru and RUNS him over! Then he DECKS Dick! The fans fire up for 100 Proof having his dog’s back! And yes, WHEEL-SAN is here, too! Connors gets in, and he uses Wheel-san to CLOBBER Dick!

Connors CLOBBERS Kanemaru, then tells Drilla to end this sucker! Drilla roars, the fans bark, and Drilla hauls Sanada up. Drilla tells Sanada this is his funeral! Sanada LOW- NO, Drilla just steps aside, and Sanada falls over! The blood loss is affecting Sanada, and Drilla grabs the guitar! The fans fire up as Drilla aims. Sanada slowly rises up, for Drilla’s SMASH HIT!! And then a DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

Sanada tried his tricks, but Drilla just had too much grit! Drilla doesn’t even care about the blood, he wears his crimson mask as a badge of honor! But now, after taking down a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is nothing going to stop 44 Caliber from calling his shot?

NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

What a culmination of moments in storied careers! Not only is this a title match, but it is the 20th anniversary of The Headbanga’s debut, AND it is The Ace’s final King of Pro-Wrestling! But will the Final Road still get some gold? Or will this still be The ELP Show?

As always, Tanahashi takes the jacket off and the fans cheer the abs. ELP points out he has pretty good abs, too. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Face of NJPW World!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally up, chanting for “TA-NA-H’SHI! TA-NA-H’SHI!” ELP offers a handshake but Tanahashi politely declines. The two circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. ELP wrenches free to wristlock, but Tanahashi wrenches and hammerlocks. ELP wrenches and hammerlocks in return, then headlocks. Tanahashi pries the hold open to wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings, and wrenches through to hammerlock, headlock, and hit the takeover! Tanahashi headscissors, ELP kips free, but now Tanahashi headlocks for the takeover. ELP headscissors, Tanahashi kips free, and the fans applaud.

The two reset, and EOP CHOPS! The fans cheer, and Tanahashi fires a forearm in return. ELP CHOPS, Tanahashi fires a forearm, and then they both throw forearms back and forth. Tanahashi eggs ELP on, so ELP fires a flurry! Tanahashi fires a flurry in return! Tanahashi whips, ELP reverses, and ELP runs in, but into an ELBOW! Tanahashi goes up, CROSSBODY! The fans cheer and Tanahashi plays air guitar. ELP wants to try the air guitar, the fans rally up for it, so Tanahashi holds it out, to throw to the fans! The fans boo but Tanahashi kicks ELP low. Tanahashi whips ELP to a corner, runs in, but ELP goes up and over.

Things speed up, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then somersault to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ELP handsprings up and the fans cheer. ELP tunes up the band and the fans clap along. Tanahashi rises, but he blocks Sudden Death! And he reels ELP in, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi then rises up to scoop and SLAM! Tanahashi fires up, the fans cheer, and Tanahashi goes up the corner, only for ELP to GAMANGIRI! Tanahashi slumps down, ELP turns him around, and ELP hoists Tanahashi up to the top rope! Tanahashi is now in the Tree of Woe, and ELP gets space. The fans rally, ELP runs corner to corner, and feints!

ELP climbs up to stand on Tanahashi’s groin! The fans boo, ELP “apologizes,” and he hops away. ELP says he’ll do it seriously now. ELP runs corner to corner, but Tanahashi sits up! ELP slides into the POST! Tanahashi goes out to SLAM ELP’s leg against the post, then SLAM it again! Tanahashi drags ELP from the apron to then RAM into railing! We hit five minutes as Tanahashi goes up the apron. But ELP hurries to anchor Tanahashi’s legs! Tanahashi kicks and clubs ELP away, then aims to CANNONBALL to the floor! The fans fire up as Tanahashi is upping the ante! Tanahashi drags ELP up and puts him in the ring.

The fans cheer Tanahashi while Jado coaches ELP. ELP gets Tanahashi in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi slumps back down and the fans rally up with ELP. ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into railing! The fans fire up and ELP puts Tanahashi in the crowd! ELP throws hands and that makes Tanahashi sit in a chair. ELP goes into the ring, and the fans rally up as they anticipate what’s coming! ELP goes up the ropes, “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY into chairs!! Tanahashi dodges and ELP crash lands! The fans boo and ELP clutches his leg. The ref hurries to check, hopefully ELP didn’t just lose it all.

ELP crawls while clutching that leg, and Tanahashi hurries into the ring. The ring count starts, Jado coaches ELP and the fans rally. ELP stands at 6 of 20, hobbles his way back to ringside at 9, then goes to the apron, only to collapse! ELP flounders at 15! 16! 17! He rolls in at 19!! The fans cheer as ELP survives, but that leg is bothering him. Tanahashi shows no mercy as he stomps away on the leg! The ref counts, Tanahashi stops, and Tanahashi brings ELP up. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, but ELP doesn’t even make it! ELP pounds the mat in frustration, fires himself up, but Tanahshi DROPKICKS the leg! ELP SPIKES on his head!

Tanahashi hurries to get those legs, tie them up, TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! Tanahashi pulls on the legs and the fans rally up as ELP endures! ELP claws at the mat, fights forward, but Tanahashi pulls him away! But ELP powers up to make the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go and the fans rally again. Tanahashi brings ELP up, reels him in, and tucks the arms?! Tanahashi lifts, but ELP fights it! ELP powers up and out to ROCK Tanahashi with forearm after forearm! Tanahashi eggs ELP on, so ELP SLAPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! ELP flops and the ref checks him. Tanahashi stands ELP up to whip, but ELP reverses, only for Tanahashi to SLINGBLADE!

The fans fire up again and Tanahashi runs. SLING- NO, ELP ducks to roll Tanahashi up, TWO! ELP reels Tanahashi in with a straitjacket! ELP manages to torture rack lift! And even with a bad leg, we get BRAIN- SLINGBLADE?! Tanahashi turns things around on ELP, then fires up! The fans rally as Tanahashi runs, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Tanahashi roars, he goes to the corner and maybe a little too fast for even his own good. Tanahashi climbs, but ELP ROCKS him first! ELP slaps the bad leg into working, and he climbs up the corner. ELP throws hands, HAMMERS away, then brings Tanahashi up.

The fans fire up for the SUPER- NO, Tanahashi slips free and ELP crash lands! ELP staggers around as we hit the three minute warning! HIGH FLY ATTACK! But Tanahashi doesn’t stop there, he goes back up, for a HIGH FLY FLOW!! But onto knees! ELP sacrifices his already bad leg to save himself! The fans rally up again while both men are down. ELP rises up, we hit the two minute warning, and ELP fires a flurry of forearms! ELP runs, but Tanahashi DROPKICKS the legs again! And then Tanahashi runs, SLING- SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!? Tanahashi survives, but ELP drags him into place.

ELP reels Tanahashi, but Tanahashi trips him! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! ELP escapes but Tanahashi snatches him to a cradle, TWO!! Tanahashi tries again with the backslide but ELP switches the hooks! ELP backslides, then pushes through to tuck Tanahashi in! The final minute, C R 2!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tanahashi survives, but ELP goes right to the apron! He goes up the ropes, THUNDERKISS 86!!! ELP has to crawl back to the cover, TWO!!!! Tanahashi survives and we’re under 30 seconds! ELP has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! But TEN SECONDS LEFT!! Tanahashi endures, ELP THRASHES, TIME IS UP!!

Time Limit Draw; ELP retains the title

Maybe if there were a few more seconds on the clock, Tanahashi would’ve given in. But the bottom line is that ELP survives by running out the clock. Tanahashi takes the belt to personally hand it to ELP, and the fans applaud the showing of respect. ELP says he and Tanahashi have NJPW in their hearts, as do the fans. ELP bows in deep respect to Tanahashi, Tanahashi bows in deeper respect, repeat. But then, who will be the next “guest star” for The ELP Show? And what is the “next stop” on The Ace Final Road?

NEVER Openweight Championship: Boltin Oleg VS EVIL w/ The House of Torture!

The Kazakh Juggernaut finds himself in the same story that all The King of Darkness’ opponents know: They’re a champion, but Evil steals their belt as if he’s already won. But just like those many times before, Evil will have to put up or shut up! Will Evil finally be put behind BARS? Or will Darkness Fall on the Ryogoku Sumo Hall?

Oleg flips the script on Evil by attacking before the bell! The fans fire up as Oleg kicks, CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Then he BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Evil away! The fans fire up again while Evil bails out. Oleg picks up his belt, hands it to the ref, and now we get the bell! Evil slithers in, but then slithers right back out! The fans boo but Oleg pursues. Evil mule kicks, then whips, but Oleg reverses to fireman’s carry! Evil fights free, waistlocks, and he RAMS Oleg into the timekeeper! Not only does Abe-san fall, but a fan may have fallen, too! This is why he’s Evil! Oleg writhes, Evil grabs a mic, and he uses the cord to CHOKE Oleg!

Evil tells Oleg to give up now, but Oleg refuses! The ref reprimands, Evil tells Oleg he’s gonna pay for this, and he leaves him behind. Evil waits in the ring while the ref checks Oleg. Oleg rises up, he rolls in, but Evil kicks him. Evil whips Oleg into bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but the House of Torture Special is in effect. Evil then pulls on Oleg’s leg to turn him over! HALF CRAB! Oleg endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and he drags Oleg up. Evil whips Oleg right out of the ring! Then he distracts the ref so that Yujiro Takahashi can whip Oleg into railing!

Dick Togo & Yoshinobu Kanemaru trip Oleg, and they DOUBLE KNEE SMASH! Don Fale even steps on Oleg! The fans boo as The House continues to stack the deck. Dick puts Oleg in the ring, Evil drags him around, and Evil stomps away on the legs. Evil drops an ELBOW on the knee! Oleg endures, reaches out, and fights his way over. Evil pulls on the leg, but Oleg still makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Evil lets go. Evil scuffs Oleg, the fans rally up, and Evil stands Oleg up. Evil winds up to feint the chop and CLAW the eyes! Evil drags Oleg down, the ref counts, but Evil covers, TWO! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO, with some real power!

Evil is shocked and the fans fire up as Oleg has plenty left in the tank. Oleg stands to fire body shots! Then he ROCKS Evil, but Evil kicks a leg! Evil grabs a leg, and he FISHER- NO, Oleg is too big to reel in! Oleg suplexes Evil high and hard! The fans fire up while both men are down. Oleg shakes out the leg, rises up, and he runs up to CLOBBER Evil! Evil gets up but Oleg CLOBBERS him again! Oleg CHOPS Evil, then he gut wrenches! Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW! The fans fire up as Evil goes flying! Evil rises up, Oleg runs in, and SPLASH! Then Oleg scoops Evil for a POWERSLAM! Then he goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally and Oleg fireman’s carries. Evil fights free by pulling on ears and clawing eyes! Oleg kicks, Evil blocks, and Evil sends the foot into the ref! The fans boo as the ref is down, and now the House rushes in! Kanemaru takes a swig, Dick loads up, but Oleg ducks! POCKET SAND hits Kanemaru! Then Oleg CHOPS the whiskey mist out of Kanemaru and into Dick! Then Oleg grabs them both, DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Evil runs up, Oleg ELBOWS him! Oleg runs, but Evil YANKS the ref into the path of a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans boo but now Yujiro & Fale get in! They mug Oleg!

The fans boo as Yujiro & Fale double whip, but Oleg comes back to CLOBBER Yujiro! Fale grabs Oleg, Oleg breaks free, and he CLOBBERS Fale! The fans fire up as Oleg has cleared The House! And now Hontai is here! Toru Yano has the Young Lions help clear ringside! Now it’s juts Oleg and Evil! Oleg runs in, but Evil sends him into bare buckles! And then whips him back in! But Oleg LARIATS in return!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Marty Asami replaces Sato Kenta as referee, and he makes sure both men are able to continue. Oleg rises and the fans rally up. Oleg storms over to Evil and drags him up.

Oleg fireman’s carries, but Evil fights free! Evil LARIATS! And LARIATS! But Oleg stays up! Evil runs, but Oleg kicks low! Oleg runs, Evil goes the other way, and he LARIATS Oleg down! Evil hurries to get the legs, steps through, and SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Oleg endures, the fans rally, but Evil sits deep on the hold! Oleg still claws his way around, goes to the side, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts as Evil holds on, and Evil lets go at 4. The fans boo but Evil has an evil grin as he stalks Oleg. Evil drags Oleg up, goes for a fireman’s carry, but Oleg CLUBS him! And lifts him, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!

The fans rally up as Evil survives, and Oleg vows to end it! Oleg fireman’s carries, and spins for the VERDICT! The fans fire up as Oleg prepares to serve justice! But SHO is here with his Torture Tool! Oleg drops Evil to grab Sho! And pop him up to a fireman’s carry! KAMIKAZE for Sho! The fans fire up and Oleg grabs Evil now! Fireman’s carry, but Evil slips free again! EVERY-  NO, Oleg slips free, SNAP KAMIKAZE! But that’s not the end of it as Oleg drags Evil back up! Fireman’s carry, but Evil grabs the ref! DOUKI is here, DEATH PIPE to the leg!! And DEATH PIPE LOW BLOW!! The fans boo but Evil drags Oleg back up!

EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

And just like every time, the King of Darkness wins thanks to his pawns! The House all comes back to celebrate, and by that, they beat Oleg up! Evil grabs the mic to mockingly tell Oleg, “What a shame!” Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Oleg! The Young Lions return, but they get beat up, too! There just aren’t enough of them to stop The House! The fans boo, but wait, there is another! Aaron Philip Wolfe, the GOLD MEDALIST JUDOKA! SAYANAGI for Yujiro! SAYANAGI for Kanemaru! Scoop and SLAM for Dick! Evil gets pissed at Wolf, “Who do you think you are?” Evil vows to CRUSH this Young Lion for getting ahead of himself!

Evil and Wolf push each other, and neither is backing down. Wolf’s set for his official NJPW debut at WrestleKingdom, but could that change now that he’s bared his fangs?

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura!

The Knock Out Brothers made quite the shocking return, joining up with Bullet Club and taking these titles off Tomohiro Ishii & Taichi. But that only made them targets for other young and hungry duos seeking their first taste of gold. Will The Roughneck & Heat Storm cut this reign short? Or will they be put down with the K O B?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Second Chapter is written in gold!

The teams don’t sort out, they all get face to face. And then Yuto & Oskar fire the first shots! Yuya & Shota return fire, the fans fire up, and Oskar kicks Shota out of the ring! Yuto and Yuya still scrap in the ring, so the bell sounds and we have a match! Yuto and Yuya go along the ropes, pulling hair, and the ref reprimands. Yuya lets go slowly, but Yuto BODY BLOWS! Yuto brings Yuya around, then runs, but Shota is back! Shota & Yuya RUN Yuto over, and Yuya is right on the bad arm with a KIMURA! The fans fire up, but Oskar TACKLES Shota onto Yuya! Yuto is free, and Oskar CLOBBERS Shota! Oskar then scoops and SLAMS Yuya!

The fans fire up with the German giant, and he lets Yuto handle this. Yuto swaggers over to Yuya, drags him up, and winds up to KICK! And KICK! Yuya goes to ropes, Yuto winds up, and he KICKS again! Yuto fires off KICK after KICK on Yuya in the corner but the ref reprimands. Yuto pushes the ref aside, then mule kicks Yuya! Yuya sits down, Yuto flips him off and goes corner to corner, for the “BOMBACLAT” KNEE! Yuto drags Yuya from the corner, then pushes him around. Tag to Oskar and Oskar steps over the top rope. Oskar drags Yuya up to CHOP him down! Yuya goes to ropes, Oskar taunts him, and he CHOPS Yuya again!

Oskar brings Yuya around but Yuya fires forearms! Oskar swings, Yuya ducks, and Yuya CHOPS! Then he dodges again, to CHOP! Oskar kicks low, whips Yuya to a corner, but Yuya goes up to CROSSBODY! But Oskar catches him! And pops him around for a POWERSLAM! The fans cheer Oskar’s strength while Yuya writhes. Oskar stalks him to a corner, drags him up, and whips Yuya corner to corner. Oskar runs in but Yuya ELBOWS back! Then FLYING BULLDOG! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya crawls, as does Oskar, hot tag to Shota! Shota runs to DROPKICK a leg! Then he ELBOWS Yuto, wrenches Oskar, then kicks off Yuto to TORNADO DDT Oskar!

Yuto KNEES Shota low, whips him to ropes, but Shota reverses. Shota DROPKICKS Yuto down! The fans fire up with Shota and he runs at Oskar in the corner! UPPERCUT! Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Oskar on repeat, but Oskar turns it around to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Shota shoves Oskar, eggs him on, so the forearms start flying! Shota gets the edge, but Oskar SLAPS Shota down! The fans fire up while Shota is dazed. Oskar lifts but Shota fights it. Oskar still tries but Shota fights harder! Oskar waistlocks, then he ROCKS Shota in the back! Oskar tries again, but Shota KNEES him in the head! Then Shota waistlocks!?

Oskar fights the lift and switches, to lift and SLAM Shota! Then ELBOW DROP on Shota’s back! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this and the fans rally up. Oskar drags Shota up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex, only for Shota to land out! Shota waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Yuto and Yuya! Ice and Heat fire forearms back and forth! They egg each other on, then Yuya fires a flurry! Yuya CLUBS Yuto, runs, but Yuto ROCKS him! Yuto roars, brings Yuya around, but Yuya ROCKS Yuto! The fans fire up with Yuya as he whips, only for Yuto to reverse!

Yuto LARIATS Yuya in the corner, then snarls as he brings Yuya in. But Yuya fights the suplex! Yuya wrenches out, but Yuto ROCKS him! Yuto suplexes again, stall and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Yuto is frustrated but he paces around Yuya. Yuto sits Yuya up, but Yuya keeps him from running! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO, but into the ARMBAR! Yuto flails and reaches out while the fans rally! Yuto turns things over, but that puts him in the DISARMER! Yuto scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Shota hurries to DROPKICK Oskar off the apron! Shota drags Yuto up, wrenches the bad arm, and then Shota & Yuya double whip him corner to corner.

Yuya runs in, but Yuto BOOTS him! And BOOTS again! Then he BOOTS Shota! And SLAPS him down! The fans fire up for Yuto-Ice as he brings Shota up. Yuto SPITS at Shota, BOOTS him, but Shota just grins. The fans fire up as Shota winds up to DECK Yuto! Shota roars, the fans fire up with him, and Shota shouts to Yuya to do this! Yuya rises, he and Shota drag Yuto up, but Oskar CLUBS them both! Oskar ROCKS Shota, CHOPS Yuya, then MEETING OF THE MINDS! And then a DOUBLE- NO, Shota & Yuya double wrench to a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up with Shota, and he runs at Yuto for the BLINDSIDE WIZARD!

Shota then drags Yuto up to the top rope. Shota climbs up after Yuto and goes to the very top! The fans rally as Shota hits the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Yuya hits the SPLASH!! Cover, OSKAR BREAKS IT! The Power & Glory combo did not finish this, but Shota DROPKICKS Oskar! Oskar stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS Oskar! Oskar stays up, he roars and runs back in, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Yuya roars now and the fans fire up with him! Yuya has the arm, KIMURA!! Yuto flails, reaches out, fights around, but Yuya keep shim down! Yuto kicks and crawls, Shota RAMS Oskar into railing, and Yuya puts on the pressure! Yuya rips the tape away from the elbow!!

Yuya’s savage side is back as he CRANKS the KIMURA!!! Yuto flails, reaches out, and Shota keeps Oskar down! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Yuto BITES at Yuya’s leg! Yuya just PUSHES on the bad arm!! Yuto rolls, but Yuya just drags him up! Cording hold, cording hold, but Yuto fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Yuya HEADBUTTS in return!! Yuto drops to his knees, someone is sent into railing, and it was Shota! Yuya drags Yuto up, but Oskar is back in! SLEEPER on Yuya!! Yuto is again freed as Oskar squeezes tight! SLEEPER SLAM!! Yuto rises up to PENALTY KICK!! But Shota ROCKS Yuto! And ROCKS Oskar!

Shota LARIATS Oskar up and out! Shota blocks Yuto’s kick, ROCKS him and HEADBUTTS him, to then run, but into Yuto’s STRAIGHT AMBITION!! Shota goes down and Yuto roars! Yuto runs up on Yuya, but Yuya ducks the haymaker! RANA into ARMBAR!!! Yuto clasps hands, but Yuya breaks the grip! But Oskar DROPS THE LEG, brother!! Oskar clamps on the SLEEPER, and he shouts to Yuto to put this one on ice! STRAIGHT AMBITION !! They vow to end this now, and Yuto feeds Yuya to Oskar’s gut wrench! Yuto runs up, K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, KOB WINS!

Winners: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

The Knock Out Brothers indeed fought as brothers, and together, they withstood the heat to stay golden! Will there be no stopping the young blood now?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Yota Tsuji!

The first time, these two fought to a double down count draw. The second time, The Mad Man stood tall with this title. And now, they complete the trilogy in Ryogoku! Will Gabe lose his mind and the gold? Or can he survive the Gene Blast?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly ready for the Global stage!

The bell rings and both men run up to tie up! The fans rally as the two break, tie up again, and then Yota waistlocks. Gabe switches, Yota switches, they break, only to tie up again. Gabe wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Yota rolls and wrenches in return. Gabe rolls and kips up to then wrench again. Yota spins through, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gabe slips around to fireman’s carry takeover. Yota headscissors, Gabe kips free, but Yota hits the headlock takeover! Gabe headscissors, Yota kips free, Gabe shouts “KOI! <BRING IT!>” and the two tie up again! The fans cheer, even as the two are in a deadlock.

Gabe digs in and powers Yota to the ropes. The ref counts, the two let off slowly, and Gabe pats Yota on the shoulders. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Yota smirks. The two reset, circle, and they run up again to tie up. Yota headlocks, and he holds on tight as Gabe tries to power out. The fans applaud, Gabe fights up, and he fires body shots. Gabe powers up and out, but Yota RUNS him over! The fans cheer and Yota shakes it off to run again. Gabe drops down, hurdles over, then bypasses, but Yota RANAS! Gabe cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Gabe wags his finger. Things speed up again, Gabe hurdles but Yota leaps over.

Gabe and Yota RAM shoulders, and RAM, and RAM! Yota whips, Gabe reverses, and Gabe DROPKICKS Yota down! The fans cheer and Gabe watches Yota bail out. Gabe takes his time following after, and he brings Yota up to CHOP! The fans cheer, Gabe nods, and Gabe CHOPS again! Yota stares Gabe down, Gabe pie faces Yota, then Gabe SMACKS Yota! And CHOPS him again, and again, and again! The fans rally and Gabe mockingly says tranquilo. Gabe then goes back to Yota to bring him around, and CHOP! Yota fires a flurry of forearms! Yota whips, Gabe reverses, and Yota hits railing! But Yota comes back, only to get a POLISH HAMMER!

The fans fire up while Yota is down. Gabe shows off the NJPW logo on his kneepads right to Hiroshi Tanahashi, saying NJPW is Gabe and Gabe is NJPW. The ref checks Yota, he’s still in this, so Gabe goes to fetch him. Gabe CHOPS Yota, follows him around the way, and then SMACKS him off the apron! Gabe pushes Yota onto the apron, CLUBS him, and Yota rolls into the ring. Gabe follows and stands Yota up. Gabe suplexes, puts Yota on the ropes, and then BOOTS him! Yota still dangles on the ropes, so Gabe goes to the corner. The fans rally up, Gabe climbs, but then reconsiders. Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Yota on the back, to then get a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up while Gabe rolls back and says it’s almost time. Gabe drags Yota up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! Then HEADBUTTS! Then CHOPS! And repeat! Gabe wobbles, rolls back, and runs in again to LARIAT! The fans cheer as Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs. Gabe whips Yota corner to corner, then runs in, but Yota dodges! Gabe’s dropkick hits buckles and he crash lands! The fans rally up while both men are down! Yota gets moving, and he baseball slide DROPKICKS Gabe outta the ring! The fans cheer as Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit into the railing! Both men fall but Yota stands and fires the fans back up!

Yota takes a lap around the ring to get Ryogoku more fired up. Yota even puts his hair up before he fetches Gabe. The ring count is 5 of 20 but Yota puts Gabe in the ring. The fans applaud as Yota stands Gabe up, ROCKS him, but Gabe comes back with CHOP after CHOP after CHOP! But Yota catches him to a half nelson GUT BUSTER! And then Yota goes for the legs! He powers Gabe over for a BOSTON CRAB! The fans rally as Gabe endures the “Young Lion” hold! Gabe scrambles forward, ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go quickly and the fans cheer. Yota paces, Gabe grows frustrated, but Yota stands Gabe up in the corner.

Yota winds up and CHOPS! Gabe grits his teeth, but Yota winds up to CHOP again! Gabe gets in Yota’s face, pushes him, so Yota fires a flurry of forearms! Yota whips, kitchen sink knees, and covers, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Yota stays focused. Yota stands Gabe up, winds up again, and Gabe eggs him on! Yota CHOPS! The fans fire up as that one echoes out! Gabe grits his teeth and snarls as he rises up. Yota grins, and Gabe swings, but Yota BODY BLOWS! BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS again! Now Yota eggs Gabe on! Yota BOOTS Gabe, Gabe SLAPS Yota, Yota ROCKS Gabe, Gabe spins to CHOP, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS!

Yota SUPERKICKS but Gabe stays up, so Yota SUPERKICKS again! Gabe spins through to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe and Yota stir, and Gabe sits right up into the cross-legged pose. Gabe drags Yota up, ROCKS him, then reels him in! Yota fights, but Gabe still POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO! But into the BOSTON CRAB! Gabe is returning the favor of using the “Young Lion” hold on Yota! Yota endures, pushes up, but Gabe drags him to center! Gabe even bounces to put on the pressure! But Yota powers up again! Yota fights his way over, but Gabe drags him back!

Gabe sits deep on the hold! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota endures! Gabe eggs Yota on, Yota powers up again, and Yota fights his way forward! But he’s fading again! Yota inches his way forward, ROPEBFREAK! The fans cheer while Gabe lets go in frustration. Gabe headbutts the NJPW logo on the mat, then he drags Yota up. Gabe reels Yota in, but Yota fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Yota, underhooks the arms, and he hits a BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, but Gabe gets them to bark. Gabe then flexes, runs, and COMEBACK- NO, Yota ducks the lariat! Gabe fights the clinch, but swings into the BACKBREAKER!

Yota FLATLINERS, but Gabe dodges the stomp! And dodges again, COMEBACK- NO, Yota scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Gabe writhes and Yota rises up while the fans rally. Yota drags Gabe up, suplexes, but Gabe slips free to shove! Gabe runs up, blocks a boot, but Yota uses the British Reel and STOMP! Yota goes up, up, MARLOWE- NO, Gabe avoids the crush! But Yota scoops to a gut wrench! But Gabe turns that around, TOMBSTONE! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! Gabe snarls as he gut wrenches Yota but Yota RANAS free! Gabe runs back up, ducks a lariat, then ripcords, but the GENE TRIGGER hits! Then a DESTROYER?!?

Both men are down again and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Gabe and Yota stir and go to corners. Yota roars, the fans fire up again, and Yota runs corner to corner! GENE TRIGGER! Then he pushes Gabe down to go up, up, and MARLOWE- UPPERCUT from Gabe! COMEBACK into a FLATLINER! DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! But both men rise! Yota LARIATS first!! Cover, TWO!! Yota roars, aims from a corner, and Gabe rises. GENE- LARIAT!! Gabe hits back, and he hurries to gut wrench! MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Gabe is beside himself, but the fans fire up even more!

Gabe touches the lion mark on the logo while the fans duel as hard as they can. Gabe reels Yota in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota drops to his knees to fight the lift, but Gabe KNEES him for it! The kneepad comes down, O-KNEE!! But Yota rolls through to GENE BLASTER!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Gabe flounders, Yota crawls after him, but Gabe goes to the corner. Yota stands Gabe up, puts him up top, and then climbs the corner. Yota has Gabe up top backwards, for a dragon sleeper, and INVERTED SUPERPLEX! And now GENE- NO, PILEDRIVER!! Gabe then hurries to lift, LEG TRAP DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!

The fans are electric and Gabe is shocked! Yota survives and Gabe isn’t sure what to do now! Gabe roars and rises up, with the fans barking along again! Gabe drags Yota back up, but Yota is a ragdoll! The ref checks on Yota while Gabe eggs him on. Gabe drags Yota up, deadweight as he is, but then drops him on the lion mark. Gabe demands Yota get up, makes him stand, and HEADBUTTS! Yota HEADBUTTS in return!! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! A standing count begins, and the fans rally as hard as they can for both men! Gabe stirs at 5, he shouts at Yota to get up! The count stops as Gabe and Yota are moving.

Gabe and Yota both touch the lion mark, both motivated by the spirit of what NJPW is! They junkyard dog headbutt again and again, and Yota flops over. Gabe sits Yota up to throw a forearm! Yota hits Gabe in return! Gabe fires another forearm, so Yota fires back! Gabe sits up to CHOP Yota! Yota CHOPS in return! Gabe and Yota go back to forearms, then they stand up. Gabe eggs Yota on, and the CHOPS begin! Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but Yota CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe fires palm strikes, Yota fires palm strikes! Gabe STRAIGHT RIGHTS! Gabe roars, runs, but Yota ducks the Comebacker! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, ONE?!?!?

The fans are electric, Gabe shakes his head as he staggers around, but into a GENE BLASTER!!! But Yota isn’t done, he drags Gabe onto the lion mark, with a BOSTON CRAB!!! Yota sits way back, but Gabe powers up! The fans are thunderous as Gabe fights forward, reaches out, but he TAPS!! YOTA WINS!!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by submission (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

History is made as Yota is the second-ever TWO-TIME Global Heavyweight Champion, but what matters more is that both men left it all on the mat! They fought their hearts out on the cerulean blue and lion mark that means the world to them! Yota once again holds up the gold with the white strap, but again, what matters more is that he and Gabe show utmost respect by bowing deeply at the center of the ring! Yota offers a handshake, and Gabe takes it! The fans cheer as these rivals hug to show their respect, and then Gabe raises Yota’s hand in victory. The War Dogs walk out here, and they go to the ring.

David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori, Gedo, Drilla, Clark Connors, Oskar & Yuto all stand with Gabe, but then “The Unaffiliated” also head out here. Hiromu Takahashi, Titan, Shingo Takagi, and even Daiki Nagai all stand with Yota. The two factions stare down, and Finlay offers a handshake? Yota takes it! The fans are surprised by this great show of respect between these two factions, as they all shake hands, member for member. The Knock Out Brothers being the new guys, it takes some convincing, but with fans doing the “Yo yo yo” with everyone, Yuto gives in and shakes Takagi’s hand. Oskar gives fist bumps, and the fans cheer this great showing of respect.

But is it simply a sign of respect between rivals? Or could there be a loose alliance between the War Dogs and the ungovernable? As for those ungovernables, Yota makes sure to shake hands with Tanahashi. The Ace still needs opponents on his Final Road, could Gene Blast be next on the list?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Front Man went on a roller coaster with this title, losing it to Hirooki Goto, then taking it back right before the G1 Climax. But speaking of, he and The Alpha went back and forth during the tournament, with Konosuke Takeshita coming out on top! And like ZSJ before him, Konosuke wants to cash-in his Right to Challenge here, tonight, in the Ryogoku Sumo Hall! Will Konosuke prove he is truly The Alpha of Wrestling? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the mightiest of them all!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. ZSJ paces before he and Konosuke circle. They feel things out, back away, and circle again. They tie up, but then Konosuke fires a forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! They tie up, Konosuke headlocks, but ZSJ powers out, only for Konosuke to RUN ZSJ over! Things speed up, Konosuke jumps over the dropdown and goes back to headlock. ZSJ powers up and out, and he blocks the knee! But Konosuke avoids the Penalty Kick! The fans cheer while Konosuke bails out. ZSJ waits on Konosuke while the fans rally up. Konosuke takes his time returning, and the two circle again.

They feel out a knuckle lock, but then ZSJ kicks one apart and steps over the other to reel Konosuke in. ZSJ traps that arm, then cravats Konosuke for a neck wrench. Konosuke gets his arm free, and he rolls, only for ZSJ to hold on. ZSJ shifts to a headlock and takeover, then traps an arm to grind the hold. Konosuke rolls to a cover, ONE, and ZSJ cravats for the neck wrench. Konosuke rolls, but again ZSJ rolls with him. ZSJ cranks the cravat, but Konosuke stands up to step through and top wristlock. Konosuke puts the pressure on and brings ZSJ down, but ZSJ slips around and around to then slips free and have Konosuke’s legs!

ZSJ ties the legs up and brings Konosuke into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, but Konosuke pops free right away to cover, ONE! ZSJ backs off and the fans applaud. The two reset and circle again. ZSJ checks his chin, then feels things out with Konosuke again. They tie up, ZSJ goes for the arm, and ZSJ wristlocks to wrench, and wrench, and wrench! But Konosuke wrenches in return to whip, only for ZSJ to reverse! The TAKESHITA LINE finds ZSJ first! The fans fire up and Konosuke calls his shot. Konosuke drags ZSJ up, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes up the corner. SUPER SENTON! Konosuke then wraps ZSJ up in body scissors!

ZSJ endures, the fans rally, and Konosuke puts on the pressure. Konosuke adds a chinlock but ZSJ turns to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Konosuke lets go quickly. Konosuke drags ZSJ up, scoops and SLAMS, practically throwing ZSJ away! ZSJ flounders to the apron, the fans rally up, and Konosuke runs up, only to be caught into a HANGING ARMBAR! Red Shoes counts, ZSJ lets go, and Konosuke staggers away. Konosuke rests by the ropes but ZSJ storms back into the ring. ZSJ stands on Konosuke’s hand, then on the arm, then he digs his heel into the elbow before he STOMPS it! The fans applaud but Red Shoes reprimands.

Konosuke shakes out the bad arm, but ZSJ stands him up to UPPERCUT! Konosuke goes to the corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, and again, and again! Konosuke leans into the shots to egg ZSJ on, but ZSJ still UPPERCUTS Konosuke down! The fans applaud while ZSJ catches his breath. Konosuke sits up, ZSJ kneels on a leg and bends Konosuke’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but ZSJ continues to torture Konosuke’s hand! And he SNAPS the fingers! Konosuke goes to the apron while the fans applaud again. ZSJ paces while Konosuke shakes out the hand. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Konosuke, then kicks at him mockingly.

Konosuke ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT! Konosuke fires another forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Konosuke fires up and he fires a flurry of forearms! Then ROLLING- NO, ZSJ snatches him, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN, but Konosuke stacks ZSJ! TWO, and ZSJ runs up, but into an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke and ZSJ crawl to corners, rise up, and Konosuke runs corner to corner to HELLUVA KICK! Then a BIG suplex! The fans fire up again while ZSJ flounders to the apron. Konosuke builds speed and runs up to BOOT ZSJ off the apron! ZSJ hits railing, but Konosuke just builds speed again!

The fans fire up as Konosuke FLIES! Down goes ZSJ and the fans fire up again! Red Shoes checks both men, and they’re both okay to continue. The fans cheer as Konosuke stands, and he brings ZSJ up. Konosuke reels ZSJ in, and he suplexes, only for ZSJ to escape the apron! PENALTY- NO, Konosuke blocks the kick! Konosuke goes to the apron, ZSJ fires forearms, but Konosuke BACK ELBOWS him! Konosuke winds up, but ZSJ blocks the Alpha Elbow! ZSJ wrangles the arm, puts it on the apron, and STOMPS it! Konosuke falls to the floor while the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks Konosuke and he’s still able to continue.

Rocky coaches Konosuke up and the ring count begins. Konosuke walks it off at 5 of 20, shakes out the bad arm, and rolls in at 9. ZSJ is after the arm, and he traps it to TWIST it! Konosuke writhes but ZSJ brings him around again. ZSJ pushes the arm, twists the wrist, and isolates it again to STOMP! The fans rally while Konosuke checks that there’s still feeling in his arm. ZSJ eggs Konosuke on, but Konosuke shoulders him away. And again! ZSJ grabs the bad arm, wrenches, but Konosuke reels him in! ZSJ fights off Blue Thunder, then runs in and UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, Konosuke follows, FOREARM SMASH!

Konosuke shakes out the arm, that was double-edged. Konosuke runs, ZSJ follows, but Konosuke snatches him up into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO! And ZSJ has the ARMBAR! The fans fire up as ZSJ pulls on the arm, even as Konosuke still sits up! ZSJ turns Konosuke over for a DISARMER, but Konosuke fights around! ZSJ shifts to have the ARMBAR, but Konosuke has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets go in frustration. Konosuke checks the bad arm again while ZSJ falls back to a corner. ZSJ then storms back up and KICKS, but Konosuke blocks! ZSJ SLAPS and CHOPS, but Konosuke just snarls!

Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS!! Even with the pain, he knocks ZSJ down! The fans fire up while ZSJ reaches out in a daze. Konosuke runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again. Konosuke shakes out the bad arm, TMDK coaches ZSJ, and the fans rally again. Konosuke snarls as he brings ZSJ up, scoops him, and gut wrenches to then tuck ZSJ in! But ZSJ flails and victory rolls, into the EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Konosuke escapes, then dodges, and SNAP GERMAN! Roll through?! O’Conner Bridge! TWO!! ZSJ escapes and the fans fire up again! Konosuke still shakes out the bad arm while he and ZSJ catch their breath.

The fans rally up, both men go to ropes, and they both rise up again. ZSJ hobbles over and Konosuke BOOTS him! ZSJ rebounds to BOOT! Konosuke rebounds to BOOT! ZSJ rebounds again, for another BOOT! Konosuke rebounds, but into a BOOT! ZSJ scoops, but Konosuke flips that around! ZSJ slips free, spins Konosuke to wrench, but Konosuke ducks the roundhouse to PUMP HANDLE ZSJ into a BASTARD DRIVER! And then WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke runs, but into a scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Both men are down and the fans are electric!

Konosuke and ZSJ stir, and ZSJ goes to the ropes. TMDK coaches ZSJ while Rocky coaches Konosuke, and the fans rally even harder. ZSJ wags his finger, he’s not done yet. Konosuke grits his teeth as both men sit up, but ZSJ is first to stand up. Konosuke stands to fire a forearm! ZSJ shakes that off to UPPERCUT! Konosuke shakes that off and fires another forearm! The bad arm is still holding him back, though. ZSJ and Konosuke now trade forearms, and Konosuke still ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ hits back, and now Konosuke UPPERCUTS! ZSJ drops to his knees and the fans fire up! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT, and Konosuke drops to his knees.

ZSJ steps up, makes Konosuke stand, but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! ZSJ eggs Konosuke on, so the ROLLING ELBOW knocks him down! The fans are thunderous again while Konosuke sits back in the corner. Konosuke waits on ZSJ, and watches as ZSJ manages to sit up. POWER DRIVE KNEE into a roll! S T F, with RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke endures this chimera of holds! ZSJ shifts to focus on the arms, CLARKY CAT!! Konosuke endures as ZSJ goes through the variations! Konosuke kicks with his free leg but ZSJ drags him from the ropes! ZSJ is using that G1 CLARKY CAT!! Konosuke flails but he refuses to give in!

Konosuke kicks, kicks, flails, but ZSJ pulls the arm back!! Konosuke pries at the legs, kicks around, but ZSJ grabs a leg! But Konosuke pops free to ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while ZSJ again lets go in frustration. The fans rally as ZSJ hobbles and Konosuke stands. ZSJ KICKS Konosuke, and Konosuke falls back! Konosuke rises, ZSJ KICKS him again, and again, and again! Konosuke stays on his feet, but ZSJ KICKS him down! Konosuke is right up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! ZSJ UPPERCUT but into the arm hook! ZSJ fights the backslide, switches the hooks, but Konosuke switches back! Backslide, roll through, and a lift! LAST RIDE POWERBOMB!!

Konosuke isn’t done, though, as he sits ZSJ up for the POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! ZSJ checks that his chin is still on his face, and Konosuke seethes through bloody teeth. Konosuke sees ZSJ crawl to the corner, and he hoists ZSJ up to the top rope. The fans rally harder and harder while Konosuke climbs up. ZSJ fights the lift, clamps onto Konosuke’s arm and bends it! Konosuke grabs at ZSJ’s hair, then powers his way to a facelock! ZSJ fights that and HEADBUTTS! ZSJ goes up to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Konosuke flounders away while the fans fire up again!

ZSJ rises, he runs up, and he PENALTY KICKS! But Konosuke’s back on his feet for it! ZSJ runs to the corner, TORNADO DDT! And a roll through, but into RAGING FIRE!!! Konosuke’s bad arm won’t let him cover, and ZSJ flounders to the ropes! Konosuke rises as the fans rally, and he brings ZSJ up. RAGING- NO, ZSJ slips free, O’Conner- NO! Konosuke stops the roll to have the PLUS ULTRA CLUTCH!! ZSJ endures the chicken wing and crossface, pries at the bad arm, and he SNAPS fingers! Konosuke clutches the hand again but ZSJ is right back on the arm, to STOMP it again! The fans rally while Konosuke writhes.

ZSJ drops back to the corner, he says to just call it, but Konosuke roars! Konosuke stands, ZSJ runs up, but into the KNEE!! And then RAGING- NO, the bad arm stops him! ZSJ scoops for the SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Konosuke survives and the fans are thunderous! Rocky’s thrown his jacket off, he’s getting heated watching this! Rocky and TMDK rally the fans and coach up their guys, and ZSJ roars now! The fans cheer and ZSJ goes to Konosuke to UPPERCUT! Konosuke eggs him on, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! AND AGAIN! ZSJ pie faces Konosuke around, but Konosuke throws off his elbow pad!

The fans fire up as Konosuke winds up to ALPHA ELBOW!! ZSJ falls in a heap while the fans are thunderous! ZSJ sputters and sits up in a daze, and Konosuke brings him around. Konosuke stares ZSJ down, but ZSJ grabs the bad arm! ZSJ twists the arm, steps over, DISARMER!! Konosuke endures, rolls, but ZSJ shifts. Konosuke waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke holds on, and he drags ZSJ back up. We hit 30 minutes, and Konosuke GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Konosuke still holds on, and he keeps ZSJ from reaching ropes! ZSJ throws elbows to break free, but Konosuke goes up! POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flounders again, and into a POWER DRIVE KNEE!!

The fans are thunderous as Konosuke brings the kneepad down! TMDK coaches ZSJ but he sits up into the BARE POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Both TMDK and Rocky hurry in there now that this battle is over, and it was truly one for the ages! For ZSJ, it is surreal that his second reign comes to an end where his first one began. For Konosuke, it is surreal that this dream has come true! Red Shoes raises Konosuke’s hand in victory, then hands him the world title while the G1 Climax trophy is also brought into the ring. Rocky helps put the belt on Konosuke, and then Konosuke gets the mic. Konosuke tells ZSJ, “I’ll treasure this belt I won from you.” The fans applaud, and ZSJ nods to acknowledge that.

Konosuke then looks to the crowd and tells them, “Oi, oi… Calm down. Some of you seem to have complaints. But it’s not just NJPW fans who are boiling with rage right now. There must be some wrestlers who feel the same way. Oi, you’ve got a problem with me? Fine. But I won this belt. If you’ve got a problem, then step up.” The fans do applaud that! And then they applaud that HIROOKI GOTO walks out here! The Fierce Warrior won his return match, and clearly he’s here for the title he lost to ZSJ. The fans cheer Goto on as he steps into the ring, mic in hand. “Konosuke Takeshita, I’ve got one question for you. You were expecting me, right?”

The fans cheer and even laugh a bit at the bold assumption. Goto tells Konosuke to allow him to be his challenger. The fans cheer, and Goto asks if Konosuke accepts. Konosuke sighs and says, “I could’ve never imagined you’d come.” The fans cheer and laugh again and Konosuke’s bold confession. Konosuke then asks the “young hoodlums of NJPW” if they’re really leaving this to “the veteran.” Konosuke asks if everyone is okay with Goto being the challenger. The fans indeed cheer, because they sure are. Konosuke admits, he has a score to settle from G1 Climax 34. Konosuke accepts the challenge!

However, Konosuke says he won’t be dragged into the so-called Goto Revolution. “The world famous Konosuke Takeshita is stronger than you think.” The fans applaud, and Goto drops his mic now that he has what he came for. Goto leaves to let the champion have his moment. As for Konosuke, he says this is his belt now. He asks the fans what is on their minds, and he notes there are plenty who boo, but also those who cheer. “Those of you cheering right now, I’ll keep you entertained for life.” And those fans certainly cheer again.

Konosuke promises that with him as World Heavyweight Champion now, he’ll break all the walls down! He vows that not just Japanese fans, but ALL fans, can proudly say, “Pro-wrestling is the best!” Let’s break through and make that world a reality! The fans cheer that, too! Konosuke says he knows exactly what this belt means, and says everyone better be ready. For that is his message from The Alpha! Konosuke stands by his G1 trophy as he puts the mic down, and the fans cheer as streamers fly! Will this be The Alpha’s world now?

My Thoughts:

An awesome night for NJPW top to bottom, and clearly some great stuff to look forward to as 2025 enters the home stretch. Great Women’s Championship match to start things off, and Syuri winning was a touch surprising. Sareee had a solid reign, but Syuri is definitely becoming a star in her own right. I skipped both Six Man Tags because there were no stakes on one, and of course Goto was winning his for his return. The “Ryogoku Riot” was really good stuff, but not quite what it could’ve/should’ve been. If we got a Fake Sanada where that latex mask was an uncanny valley of real, why didn’t that guy take the initial hit from Drilla? Why did the Sanadas enter first?

But that aside, them getting bloody was fine, but they didn’t exactly bring out stuff that was “scary,” and then duh, Kanemaru & Dick try to help. Connors therefore counters, Drilla wins, good stuff for Drilla and maybe he goes for a singles title of some kind. ELP VS Tanahashi was great, great move going with a time limit draw, both men moving on without looking weak or changing the status quo. Oleg looked awesome against Evil & the House of Torture, but of course Evil & the House of Torture cheated super hard to win. A little annoying, but maybe Oleg gets justice the next time they fight, really depends on what the plans are from this.

Great tag title match, and while Shota & Yuya had an awesome showing, I figured Knock Out Brothers weren’t losing. It’d be awful treatment if they returned from excursion just to be transitional champions. Yota VS Gabe was another instant classic, and I was actually a little surprised Yota won, and certainly by a Boston Crab. Great stuff also with the War Dogs and “Unaffiliated” (still not sure if that’s a real faction name or they’re still kidding around) all shaking hands and being respectful. I don’t think the Unaffiliated are being absorbed into War Dogs the way Just5Guys and Chaos joined Hontai, but it’d be pretty wild to say Yota, Takagi, Hiromu, Titan and even Daiki are now Bullet Club.

And of course, awesome stuff from ZSJ VS Konosuke in the main event. It definitely built upon their previous matches while finding a way to feel fresh, and how awesome that Konosuke won. Goto calling his shot is good stuff, too, as he only lost the title to ZSJ because of an arm injury, and is therefore owed a rematch. They’ll have a great match, but I would think Konosuke wins. I can already see how Konosuke and Okada lose at WrestleDream and then fight each other for the IWGP World Heavyweight & AEW Unified Championships. Otherwise, they’re gonna be the most dysfunctional Two Man Power Trip we’ve ever seen.

My Score: 9.2/10