Who will grab the last tickets to the G1?

The Road to G1 Climax 36 is almost over, and that means finally filling both blocks! Oskar or Yujiro, ELP or Oiwa, who will reach the Climax?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Yuya Uemura, Taichi, El Desperado & Masatora Yasuda VS Ren Narita, SANADA, SHO & DOUKI; Ren, Sanada, Sho & Douki win.
• 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Hirooki Goto & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Oleg, Wolf, Goto & Matsumoto win.
• Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo; Kanemaru & Dick win.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi; Oskar wins and advances.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins and advances.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira; Yoh wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo…

To be fair, this match started turning into a 4v2 against the House of Torture, but even then, Dick knocking the ref down and choking Jado out gave Kanemaru the opening to use WHISKEY MIST! A roll up and cover, the House of Torture wins! The fans boo but the Heel Master & Spoiler indeed had to spoil Tiger Mask’s final tag match. But even so, Tiger Mask takes the mic to say, “Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. Last year, I announced my retirement. And now, finally, tomorrow, will be my last matches. Dynamite Kid, Tommy Billington, and Black Tiger.

“I will do my absolute best and show you the bets Tiger Mask I can tomorrow night. Until the very end, I’ll give it my all. I look forward to having your support.” The fans cheer as Tiger Mask prepares for the final battles of his career. Can this living legend ride off into the sunset one last time?

G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ The House of Torture!

Yuto-Ice is already through to the Climax, having overcome Taichi in a very powerful match. But the German Giant might have the bigger challenge because The House of Torture never rolls alone. Will Oskar be able to join his Knock Out Brother in the tournament? Or will Tokyo Pimp lie, cheat, and steal his golden ticket to the top?

The bell rings and Oskar BOOTS Yujiro right down! Then NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Yujiro flails but he’s turning red already! But SHO rings the bell! Oskar lets go, having fallen for the trick! The fans boo but Sho plays dumb. Oskar is pissed, but then Yujiro CHOP BLOCKS Oskar’s leg! The fans boo but Yujiro drags Oskar up and TOSSES him out. Then Yujiro distracts the ref so the House can mug Oskar! The fans boo, but then Sho & Douki DOUBLE KNEE SMASH on the floor! Then they drag Oskar up, hold the leg out, and Ren JAMS it up with a chair! The fans boo but The House scurries away like the rats they are.

Yujiro goes out to fetch Oskar, put him in the ring, and stalk him. Oskar tries to stand but that bad leg won’t let him! Yujiro grabs that leg, puts it on the ropes, then stands on it! The ref counts, so Yujiro HIP DROPS the leg! Yujiro drags Oskar up, bumps him off buckles, then puts the bad leg through ropes. Oskar CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro still BOOTS the bad leg! Yujiro BOOTS it again, then brings Oskar around to snapmare. Yujiro isolates the bad leg so he can SPLASH down on it! Oskar clutches the leg, but Yujiro grabs the other, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Then he reaches out to grab the ropes for leverage!

The fans boo as Oskar endures, and the ref finally notices! Yujiro lets go of the ropes but he still has Oskar tied up. Oskar fights around, Yujiro grabs ropes again, and the ref counts! Yujiro lets Oskar go this time, and the fans rally as Oskar crawls. Yujiro stalks Oskar, taunts him, then kicks the bad leg. Oskar manages to CHOP! The fans cheer as Oskar ROCKS and CHOPS Yujiro, then reels him in. But Yujiro BITES Oskar’s hand! The ref counts, Yujiro lets Oskar go, but then he blocks a kick! Yujiro CLAWS Oskar’s face, throws him down, then runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally for Oskar while he’s down, but Yujiro is right on him.

Yujiro drags Oskar up, reels him in, but now Oskar BITES Yujiro’s hand! the fans cheer the payback, and Oskar lets go so he can RUN Yujiro over! The fans fire up while Oskar hobbles around. Oskar runs up on Yujiro but Yujiro dodges in the corner! Yujiro kicks, whips, but Oskar reverses! Oskar runs up again and ELBOWS Yujiro! Oskar shoves Yujiro down, then slaps his bad leg into working. Oskar manages to run and drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives but the fans continue to rally for Oskar. Oskar rises up, hobbles his way back over, and he brings Yujiro up for a scoop! But Yujiro pulls hair and CLAWS Oskar’s eyes!

Yujiro THROWS Oskar out, and The House is after him! But Oskar guzels Sho, and guzels Douki! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds before he kicks and CLUBS Ren! Oskar POSTS Ren, but Yujiro hurries after him! Oskar CHOPS Yujiro first! The fans fire up as Oskar storms after Yujiro and CHOPS! And then he puts Yujiro in the ring. Oskar hobbles his way back into the ring, fires himself back up, but Yujiro kicks the leg! Yujiro runs, but into a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up with Oskar as he stands Yujiro back up, for the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! And then a SLEEPER SLAM! Cover, BUT REN YANKS THE REF OUT!

The fans boo, and now Oskar’s mad! Oskar storms out after Ren but he lures Oskar into a trap! SANADA attacks! The fans boo as the Cold-Blooded Snake helps mug Oskar now! They get Oskar back in the ring and Yujiro has his pimp cane! The fans boo as the House all stands Oskar up for Yujiro to CANE SHOT back down! Yujiro then drags Oskar back up, reels him in, and PIMP JUICE! Cover, but YUTO YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans cheer as The House feels the sting of karma! Yuto apologizes, but then explains about the House’s sins. But then they attack Yuto! The fans boo as Sho & Douki kick and whip Yuto, but Yuto grabs ropes!

Yuto BOOTS Douki, ROUNDHOUSES Sho, then intercepts Ren with a THROW! Sanada runs in but gets a POP-UP KNEE! Yujiro kicks Yuto, then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans are fired up now as Yuto feeds Yujiro to the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER, and then into AMBITION! And then a scoop for the K O B DRIVER!! The fans are thunderous, Yuto hurries to fetch the ref, and now we get the cover, OSKAR WINS!

Winner: Oskar, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

With a little help from his Knock Out Brother, Oskar brings down the House, and now he is in the G1! Will KOB be able to meet at the Climax and get everyone high?

G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The Headbanga has been fighting hard and falling short lately, but he’s not giving up! The same can be said for The Mullet as he also continues to grind. Will ELP be able to #TurnItAllAround? Or will Oiwa prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. ELP offer a handshake, Oiwa accepts, and the fans cheer. The two circle, and the fans cheer on “E L P! E L P!” ELP nods, but then Oiwa gets the fans cheering him on. The two tie up, ELP headlocks, but Oiwa wrenches free. ELP wrenches back to hammerlock, half nelson, spin and snapmare, then ghost pin! TWO, and the two back away. The fans applaud as the two reset, then tie up. Oiwa wrenches to wristlock but ELP uses the ropes to flip through. ELP wrenches back, but Oiwa rolls to wrench again. ELP rolls, trips Oiwa, then ties up the legs! ELP hooks Oiwa up, for the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Oiwa pops free to a cover, TWO!

The fans applaud the standoff, and the two take their time resetting. The fans duel as the two reset and tie up again. Oiwa headlocks, ELP powers up but can’t power out. ELP goes to the ropes, powers free this time, only for Oiwa to run him over! Oiwa runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oiwa headlocks again but ELP endures the grind. ELP fights up and fires body shots. ELP powers up and out, then drops down to DROPKICK! Oiwa bails out while ELP kips up, and the fans fire up as ELP builds speed. But Oiwa catches ELP to a headlock! Only for ELP to POST Oiwa! Oiwa falls to the floor, and ELP PLANCHAS him back down!

The fans cheer as ELP stands, and then ELP points to the corner. ELP climbs, the fans rally, and they join in with “E! L! P!” ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Oiwa and the fans fire up again! ELP pushes the Young Lions aside so he can stand, and he brings Oiwa back up. ELP puts Oiwa in the ring, then aims from the apron! Springboard SWANTON, then the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but ELP stays focused. The fans rally as ELP slashes his throat. ELP reels Oiwa in, tucks the arms, but Oiwa powers up and BACKDROPS free! The fans cheer as ELP sputters. ELP still gets up and runs up, but Oiwa arm-drags to the armlock!

ELP fights up, whips Oiwa to ropes, but Oiwa RUNS him over! Things keep moving, and Oiwa counters hip toss with HIP TOSS! Then another arm-drag, back to the armlock! Oiwa wrenches and whips ELP to a corner, but only to YANK the arm and DEATH ROLL! ELP clutches the arm but Oiwa vows to end it now! Oiwa clamps on for the ARC CLUTCH! But ELP has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go. Oiwa then drags ELP up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers to another corner, Oiwa stalks him, and he winds up to CHOP again! Oiwa wraps the bad arm around ropes, pulls on it, but lets go as the ref counts 4.

Oiwa runs in, but ELP dodges! ELP GAMANGIRIS, then goes up to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! ELP kips up and the fans cheer! ELP goes to the corner, tunes up, and he waits on Oiwa. Oiwa stands, into SUDDEN DEATH! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but ELP is right on him! ELP tucks the arms, lifts, but Oiwa fights free! Oiwa wrenches the arm, YANKS it, but ELP ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa UPPERCUTS ELP! ELP mule kicks! Oiwa spins, ELP blocks, but then Oiwa comes in with the DISCUS LARIAT! The fans rally up again and Oiwa nods. Oiwa rises, he brings ELP back up, and he gut wrenches! But ELP RANAS to a cover, TWO!!

Oiwa stands, sunset flips, then stacks! TWO, into a deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Oiwa rises again, and he powers up the arm. The fans duel again as Oiwa spins, but ELP ducks The Grip! ENZIGIRI! ELP goes to run, but Oiwa reels him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! ELP is right up, and he reels Oiwa in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! But then Oiwa is up to O’Conner and CHAOS THEORY! The fans fire up as ELP rises again, he runs up on Oiwa, they collide, but Oiwa hurries to whip! And THE GRIP!! Cover, Oiwa wins!!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

ELP tried, but once again fell short of the goal! How much harder must he fight to finally reach the top? As for Oiwa, he hurries to get the mic to say, “The G1 Climax is now complete with Ryohei Oiwa! I won the play-in to the tournament, I will go to the finals and be the big name of the summer! The G1 Climax is now within my grip!” The Mullet moves on, but will he have a mighty run at the trophy?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd!

Just as the Roughneck finally had his moment, the Mad Man came outta nowhere to ruin it! Gabe has betrayed NJPW all to be All Elite, but will he also take this title? Or will Shota’s Second Chapter stay golden?

OH NO, Gabe SHOTGUNS the ref, Marty Asami! Then he gets up in President Tanahashi’s face! The fans boo but here comes Shota! They brawl and Shota KNEES low! Shota TOSSES Gabe out, throws his jacket off, then hurries to put his title belt and other entrance gear aside. Shota then storms after Gabe, eggs him on, and they start throwing hands! The fans rally for Shota as the shots go fast ‘n’ furious, but then Gabe sends Shota into the metal barriers! Gabe drags Shota up, they go into the orange seats, and through a row! The fans move aside as best they can as Shota hits back! Shota ROCKS Gabe, ROCKS him again, and again!

Shota and Gabe go up the narrow middle aisle, go to the iconic gap, and the fans rally up as the shots keep going! Shota gets the edge, but Gabe ROCKS him! Gabe gets in Shota’s face, eggs him on, then ROCKS him again! Shota DECKS Gabe in return! The fans cheer while Gabe sputters. Shota snarls, then stands Gabe up, but Gabe SMACKS Shota in return! Gabe then SMACKS Shota off the stairwell wall! The fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe finally takes off his sweatpants, but the ankle cuffs aren’t agreeing with his boots. Gabe finally gets free, then storms back over to Shota. Shota is busted open from hitting the edge of the solid wall!

Gabe says zoom in, and then he HAMMERS away on the bloody forehead! The fans boo but Gabe BITES Shota’s forehead! Gabe shoves Shota down, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Gabe mocks the fans cheering Shota on, then he drags Shota up, just to CHOP him back down! Gabe sees Shota’s blood on his chest and just shrugs. Gabe CHOPS Shota, stalks him along the way, then ROCKS him! Shota staggers around, but he comes back to ROCK Gabe! Gabe eggs Shota on so Shota ROCKS him! Gabe eggs Shota on, telling him to protect NJPW from Gabe, the AEW wrestler! Shota ROCKS Gabe again, but Gabe ROCKS him right back!

Gabe shoves Shota along, then storms down the stands to intimidate fans. The fans boo but Gabe goes back to Shota. Finally, a new ref arrives so there can be order, and Gabe CHOPS Shota! Shota staggers along, but now Gabe goes up a few rows to snatch a fan’s towel! The fans boo but Gabe uses that Shota Umino merch to CHOKE Shota! Gabe mocks the fans, then soaks up the heat. Gabe goes back to Shota, drags him up and brings him along with a headlock. Gabe CHOPS Shota, and Shota tumbles down the steps! The fans rally for Shota, even as he tumbles all the way to ground level. Gabe drags Shota up again, just to DECK him!

Gabe snarls, then he drags Shota up. Gabe whips Shota into a POST! Shota tumbles, Gabe flexes, and the fans boo. Gabe taunts Tanahashi before he brings Shota into the ring. Gabe says just give him the belt already, but then he snatches it off the table! Gabe THROWS the belt away, then he SPITS on Tanahashi! The fans boo but Gabe says The Ace is gutless! Gabe goes to the ring, but Shota LARIATS! The fans fire up, and we finally get the bell to ring! The fans fire up as Shota runs, and he LARIATS Gabe again! Shota hauls Gabe up, SECOND- NO, Gabe fights free and bails out of the ring! Shota pursues, catches Gabe’s lariat, to then suplex and BRAINBUSTER on the floor!

The fans rally as Shota smiles through the crimson mask. Shota flops over but the fans still cheer him on. Shota and Gabe stir, and Shota sits back up. The ring count starts, Shota stands at 4 of 20, and he takes a moment to fire up! The fans are with him as he drags Gabe up and puts him in the ring. Gabe flounders but Shota stalks him to a corner. Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Gabe on repeat! But Gabe turns things around to fire SLAP after SLAP! Shota turns it around again to CHOP and ROCK! Gabe shouts, “C’MON, P*SSY!” so Shota DECKS him! The fans cheer, and Shota runs corner to corner, SHINING WIZARD!

Shota lets Gabe fall, then watches him crawl. Gabe sits up, into the STRIKE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Shota just brings him up and around. The fans rally as Shota reels Gabe in, scoops, and SECOND- NO, Gabe slips free to GERMASN SUPLEX! Then LARIAT! Gabe doesn’t stop, he hauls Shota up for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Gabe seethes as he sits back up while the fans continue to cheer Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, puts him in the corner, and then SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Gabe HAMMERS and stomps Shota down, the ref counts, and the fans boo. Gabe tells them all off!

Gabe CHOPS Shota on the back, so Shota UPPERCUTS Gabe down! The fans rally again, and Shota roars as he rises up! Shota storms over to Gabe, drags him up, but Gabe fires more palm strikes! So Shota fires them back! They go SLAP for SLAP, again and again, fast ‘n’ furious! Shota ROCKS Gabe with one, but Gabe just fires a flurry! Then he bobs ‘n’ weaves, SMACKS Shota, and again! And again! STRAIGHT RIGHT! The ref reprimands but Gabe stumbles away to the ropes. Gabe flips everyone off, but the fans boo and cheer Shota on again. Gabe stomps Shota, taunts him, then sits him up. “Is this your hero? This your boy? This your boy, Tanahashi? F YOU!”

Gabe stands Shota up, SPITS in his face, but Shota ROCKS Gabe! And ROCKS him again! Then SWATS the lariat! Gabe staggers, falls, and Shota goes to run, but the ref checks on Gabe. Gabe clutches his arm, the same arm that’s given him problems before, but Shota wants Gabe to bring the fight! Gabe is pissed, but then wait! IT’S A LIE! He LARIATS Shota down!! The fans boo, but then Gabe lifts Shota for a PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again! Gabe kicks Shota out of the ring, reels him in, and he stares Tanahashi right in the eye as he hits a PILEDRIVER on the floor! Then Gabe SPITS on Tanahashi!

Gabe puts Shota in the ring, drags him back up, and hooks a leg, LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Shota survives and the fans are thunderous again! Gabe is frustrated but the fans are still cheering Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, brings him around, and underhooks the arms. DEATH RIDER DRIVER!! Cover, GABE WINS!!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Shota tried, but he could not stop this Mad Man, this man full of hate and violence, from taking away the title! Tanahashi must reluctantly hand the belt over to Gabe, and Gabe just THROWS it down anyway! Gabe then tells Tanahashi to put the belt on him. Tanahashi reluctantly does as told, putting the belt around Gabe’s waist. Gabe then SLAPS Tanahashi down! And he throws the belt on the floor! The fans boo but Gabe just soaks up the heat. For the first time in wrestling history, a man owns a championship in a company he hates. Will nothing stop this Dog from doing whatever he wants?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira w/ The United Empire!

Yoh finally proved he was the Best of the Super Juniors, and he finally took this title off the false god that was Douki, only to have challengers come out the woodwork. A Fatal 4 Way was held, and when the smoke cleared, it was the Nova Fireball standing tall. Will Akira conquer the Junior Heavyweights for the United Empire? Or will Direct Drive still be in the driver’s seat?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the Best of the Super Juniors!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Yoh. Akira is annoyed already, but he does have his fans cheering him on out there. The two circle, Akira says that title will be his, and the two tie up. Akira goes for an arm, wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips up, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Akira drops down, rolls, wrenches and hammerlocks in return. Akira then shifts to a headlock, hits the takeover, but Yoh headscissors. Akira kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. They circle again, tie up again, but Akira pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands as Akira puts Yoh on the ropes. Yoh turns things around, but lets off slowly.

Yoh then winds up, fakes the chop, and then fakes it again! Akira says c’mon, stop it! Yoh CHOPS Akira for real! Akira storms up to headlock, but Yoh powers up and out. Akira RUNS Yoh over, SPITS on him, then runs. Yoh stays low, then sidesteps, drop toeholds, and runs to basement DROPKICK! Akira bails out, Yoh copies the “A! KI-RA!” rhythm, maybe for “Y! O H!” Yoh then aims and PLAN- NO, Akira trips Yoh up, drags him out, and SMACKS him off the apron! Akira slides in, aims, and PLANCHAS but onto a Young Lion! Akira is upset but Yoh kicks him low. Yoh checks on Tatsuya Matsumoto, then SMACKS Akira off the apron.

Yoh gets the clapping going again, then takes aim. PLANCHA but back onto Tatsuya! Akira uses the same trick, and he RAMS Yoh down! Akira says, “Baka ne!” The fans cheer that, and Akira brings Yoh around to CHOP! Akira then brings Yoh around with a headlock, and SMACKS him off the timekeeper’s table! Akira smiles at the title, picks it up, and takes aim at Yoh! Red Shoes reprimands, then he and Akira fight over the belt. Akira SHOVES Red Shoes down, but Yoh kicks Akira! Yoh POSTS Akira, then helps Tatsuya to his feet. But then he brings Tatsuya over to whip him into Akira! The fans applaud as Yoh raises Tatsuya’s hand in victory!

Yoh then stalks Akira, but the Empire is there. They stay back, and Akira SMACKS Yoh with a serving tray! It literally has Yoh’s name on it! Then Akira SMACKS Tatsuya with it! Akira mocks Yoh with the tray, then drums his head with it. The fans are torn but Akira brings Yoh up and reels him in. Snap suplex to the floor! Akira then goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans are again torn, but Akira sets that table up nearby. Red Shoes reprimands but Akira brings Yoh over. Akira drags Yoh up, reels him in, and lifts, but Yoh fights with fists! Yoh slips down, Akira CLUBS him, and then Akira RAMS Yoh into the apron!

Akira puts Yoh in the ring, kneels for the cover, but Red Shoes says no! Akira argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes says there were too many shenanigans on the outside. Akira storms over to Yoh for a CHOP! Akira whips Yoh corner to corner, but Yoh reverses. Yoh runs up, but Akira goes up and catches him into the TARANTULA! The fans cheer the Tajiri special, and Akira lets go of Yoh. Akira struts around like Tajiri, then he taunts Yoh. Yoh rises up to BODY SHOT! Yoh fires forearms, Akira fires back, and Akira DECKS Yoh! Akira then snapmares Yoh, steps over, and traps one arm in a hammerlock while he clamps on with a chinlock!

The fans rally for Yoh as he endures, and Yoh kicks his way around. Yoh almost gets his arms free, but then Akira has a dragon sleeper! Yoh still kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go and looms over Yoh as he talks some trash. Akira stands Yoh up, CHOPS him, but Yoh eggs Akira on. Akira CHOPS again, but Yoh wants more. Akira CHOPS again and Yoh falls to his knees! Akira soaks up the cheers and jeers, then he talks more trash on Yoh. Yoh stands to ROCK Akira! Akira and Yoh go forearm for forearm, but then Akira throat chops! Akira whips but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up while both men are down!

The fans rally as Yoh sits up, and he runs up to CLOBBER Akira! And CLOBBER him again! And turn for the NECKBREAKER! Akira flounders away but Yoh runs up. Yoh blocks a boot, then trips Akira! Yoh ties Akira up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh then sits on Akira to mock Great-O-Khan’s throne! Khan gets on the apron but Red Shoes has him stay back. Yoh mocks Khan again, “HMPH!” Khan has no choice but to stand down as Yoh goes for a third, with a smug smile. Then Yoh runs to DROPKICK Akira out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Khan tells Akira to kill Yoh for making fun of him!

Yoh looks to the table Akira set up, and he gets an idea. Yoh brings Akira up, reels him in, and calls his shot! Yoh suplexes, but Akira fights free! Akira runs up, but Yoh dumps him out! Akira tumbles to the apron, Yoh fires forearms, and Akira holds onto the ropes! Yoh runs, but Akira slingshots for the CUTTER! Akira then dragon sleepers for the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Akira clamps right on for the roll and GROUND TARANTULA! Yoh scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira brings Yoh up, reels him in for a facelock, but Yoh fights the lift. Yoh fires a body shot, then another.

Akira pie faces Yoh and eggs him on. Yoh fires a forearm, but Akira fires back! Yoh fires another, so Akira fires back! The fans rally as the forearms keep going, faster ‘n’ faster, then Akira fires a flurry! Akira runs, but Yoh UPPERCUTS! Yoh runs but Akira LARIATS at the ropes! Akira then feints the run to tabletop and DROPKICK! Akira runs, but into a scoop! FALCON GOROSHI! And then the ANACONDA VICE! Akira endures, fights around, but Yoh swings him through to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Akira survives and the fans applaud. Yoh shakes out his arms while we pass 15 minutes on this one hour time limit.

Yoh goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he tunes up! The fans rally behind him, but Akira drops back down! Yoh is annoyed, but he brings Akira up. Akira rolls Yoh up, with tights! TWO, but Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! Yoh writhes while Akira goes to ropes. Akira drags himself to a corner, he takes aim, but Yoh ducks the Fireball! Yoh waistlocks, Akira elbows free, but Yoh ROCKS Akira! Akira BOOTS Yoh! Yoh ROLLING ELBOWS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Yoh rewinds, I’LL BE BACK SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. The fans rally as Yoh pushes Akira to the apron, near the table…

The Empire protests but Akira is the one who brought the table out. Yoh drags Akira up, reels him in, and the Empire tries to warn Akira. Akira fights the suplex, then fireman’s carries! Yoh fights free with elbows, but Akira fires a forearm! Yoh fires back! They brawl on the edge while the fans rally up again. Akira ROCKS Yoh, POSTS him, then gets under him! Akira brings Yoh over, POWERBOMB onto the table! It mostly breaks, but it doesn’t fall! Red Shoes hurries to check Yoh while The Empire checks on Akira. Yoh has a bloody cut on his back now, but he seems otherwise able to continue. Akira rolls into the ring and a ring count starts.

The fans rally for Yoh while he’s still down. The count is 10 of 20, then 12! Yoh stirs at 13, crawls around at 14, but is still down at 15! Yoh reaches up at 17, rises at 18, and LUNGES in at 19! But Akira LIONSAULTS onto Yoh! Then he reels Yoh in for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! But Akira reels Yoh back in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and the fans are thunderous! Akira is stunned, but he refocuses and drags Yoh back up. Akira reels Yoh in, hooks a leg, and- NO, Yoh fights the lift! The fans rally as the two fight for control, and Akira lets go to KNEE down low! Akira grins while Yoh sputters on the mat.

Akira tells Yoh he’s gonna finish this! But Yoh anchors a foot to keep Akira from running ropes. Akira ROCKS Yoh, goes to run again, but Yoh again anchors a leg! Akira is annoyed, and he sits Yoh up to ROCK him again! But again, Yoh anchors a foot! Yoh eggs Akira on, again saying he’s not even using full power! Akira DRIBBLES Yoh off the mat! Akira taunts the fans even, then he runs the ropes, but Yoh springs up and waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, FIVE STAR- NO, Akira slips free! But runs into a SNAP DRAGON! Akira is up, but Yoh LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Akira stirs but Yoh roars as he rises up.

Yoh brings Akira up and suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI again! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that, but Yoh just fires up again. The fans rally as Yoh stands back up. Yoh slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Yoh underhooks, but Akira fights the lift! Akira wrenches but Yoh full nelsons! Akira reaches out for ropes, but Yoh spins him around! DIRECT- NO, Akira fights the lift, fireman’s carry takeover, GROUND TARANTULA!! Yoh kicks and flails while the fans rally as hard as they can! But Yoh is still so far away! Akira bends the arms, but Yoh refuses to let this stop him! Yoh kicks, and kicks, and kicks, but Akira puts on more pressure!

Red Shoes checks with Yoh, but he still has fight in him! Yoh shifts around, slips his arm free, and he has a ghost pin! TWO!! Akira gets free, goes to a corner, and Yoh runs up! Akira dodges, backslides, but roll through! FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives, but Akira reloads! NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yoh survives and Akira is shocked! The fans are electric as we pass 25 minutes, and Akira roars! Akira brings Yoh up, vows to end it now, and he hooks a leg! CROWN- NO, Yoh tries to cradle counter, but Akira stops the counter! Akira suplexes through, but Yoh slips free! Ripcord and- NO, Akira blocks the knee!

Akira swings, but into a clinch! Akira throws Yoh away, but Yoh ducks the Buzzsaw! Ripcord and JUMP KNEE! Then STANDING ANACONDA VICE!! Akira endures, reaches out, but Yoh keeps him from the ropes! Yoh hits the ANACONDA STO! Then ANACONDA VICE!! But Akira makes it a cradle! TWO, and they roll through! DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, YOH WINS!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Akira burned bright tonight, but he could not take the crown! How much harder must he fight to become the best?

As for Yoh, he grabs the mic, and he rests on the mat as he says, “Oi, Akira. It feels like you were only at 99% today. You need to be 100% if you wanna beat me.” Yoh then holds up the title as he says, “Me and this belt, how far are we gonna go together? I’ve already decided. And you (belt) know it, as well. We’re gonna light it up together!” The fans cheer that. The 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion continues to roll on, what more history will he make from here on out?

My Thoughts:

A great finale to the Road to G1 Climax, and we even got some good build going into Tiger Mask’s final event. A little surprised he lost his last tag match, and that it was a Triple Threat in the first place, but in a roundabout way, that is also part of tradition. With that, I’m not sure if Tiger Mask is losing both of his final matches, or if he’s going 1-1 where he can get one last win before his true, final match. Great G1 qualifiers tonight, and I figured Oskar would find a way. Naturally, Yuto had Oskar’s back, and needing only Yuto shows the power level of the Knock Out Brothers. I was a little surprised it was Oiwa over ELP, but I wonder if ELP’s time in NJPW is coming to an end, with him going to AEW as literally just “ELP.”

Another surprise would have to be Gabe Kidd winning the Global title off Shota. Great showing for Shota, including getting busted open, but I wonder where we go from here with Gabe as Global Heavyweight Champion again. Will he come up with his own design for the belt since he literally left the current one behind? It’s a white strap right now, does he make it a black strap with a grittier looking face plate? And then great main event from Yoh VS Akira, including getting Tatsuya Matsumoto in on it as a human weapon. But I had a feeling that the 100th champion of this belt’s history would not lose it so soon. Yoh probably goes all the way to WrestleKingdom 21, and even then he might make it through that.

My Score: 8.8/10

Will NJPW still be Callum Newman’s Dominion?

Callum Newman has reigned as IWGP Heavyweight Championship since Sakura Genesis, but Yota Tsuji looks to take that title back! Is the Prince ready for war?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS SANADA; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
• No Disqualifications: El Phantasmo VS Jake Lee; Jake wins.
• Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; Yuya & Taichi win.
• El Desperado VS Mistico; Desperado wins.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Ren Narita VS Aaron Wolf; Wolf wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Great-O-Khan & Henare; Khan & Henare win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat: Andrade El Idolo VS Shota Umino VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Shota wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS YOH; Yoh wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman VS Yota Tsuji; Yota wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS SANADA!

For months now, The Alpha has been dealing with a strange courtier setting up challengers for him, until finally, they revealed themselves as the Cold-Hearted Snake! Sanada wants to finally be the star of the show, but will he succeed? Or will his fifteen minutes of fame be up already?

Wait, Sanada has a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship, and he’s using his old theme music from when he was in Los Ingobernables De Japon. Wait, wait, there are multiple Sanadas! They’re representing the difference phases in his career, from also being IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion to being IWGP United States Champion. Where’d he get this many replicas? And then Sanada’s theme from when he was Just5Guys and won the NJPW Cup and then the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. But finally, after reviewing the past, Courtier Sanada walks out, but wait, is that a fake Sanada face under that mask, too?

And then in a puff of smoke, wearing all red, the real Sanada finally shows himself, holding onto the stolen NJPW World TV Championship belt! Konosuke makes his entrance now, keeping it simple as he brings the AEW International Championship with him. The introductions are made, the stolen belt is raised, and we see if Sanada actually earns it!

The bell rings and the fans rally as we’re on the clock. The dueling sounds rather even as the two circle. They tie up, Konosuke waistlocks but Sanada switches. Konosuke wrenches to a wristlock but Sanada powers his way to a waistlock. Konosuke wrenches free again and hammerlocks, but Sanada reaches back to headlock. Konosuke powers up and wrenches free to headlock in return. Sanada puts Konosuke on the ropes, the ref counts, and Sanada pats Konosuke on the shoulders. The fans applaud as the two reset. Sanada offers a handshake? Konosuke accepts, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship.

The two reset and tie up, then Konosuke headlocks. Sanada fires body shots, powers up and out, but Konosuke RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Konosuke rolls over the dropdown, then he whips. Sanada reverses but Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges, TAKESHITA- CUTTER! Sanada counters the leaping lariat, then SHINING WIZARDS! The fans fire up while Sanada hurries up top! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to land out as Konosuke moves! Sanada comes back, tilt-o-whirls, and has the dragon sleeper! Sanada drops back, but Konosuke rolls through and has the dragon sleeper on Sanada! Konosuke inverted suplexes, but Sanada slips through that!

Sanada has the dragon sleeper again, but Konosuke spins it! Konosuke tries again, inverted suplex into the gut wrench and tuck! BASTARD DRIVER! And then the deadlift WHEELBARROW, but into BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up not just for the sequence, but for the fact Sanada survives! Konosuke rises, and snarls as he waits on Sanada to rise. Sanada stands, stumbles over, and he fires the first forearm! Konosuke fires back, but Sanada fires another. Konosuke fires back again, but so does Sanada. Konosuke fires boxing elbows, but Sanada ROLLING- NO, Konosuke ROCKS him first! And ROLLING ELBOWS!

The fans fire up as Konosuke aims from a corner, WAGA- NO, Sanada dodges to O’Conner Roll low bridge! TWO, but Sanada runs to SHINING WIZARD! We pass five minutes but Sanada hurries up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, ONE?!? Konosuke survives and the fans fire up! Sanada seems to be hurting from his own landing, could it be his shoulder? The shoulder kept him out of action for so long, could it cost him here? The ref has Konosuke wait while checking Sanada. Sanada clutches the arm, it seems to be working, so Konosuke drags Sanada up. Sanada cradles Konosuke! TWO!!

The fans fire up as Konosuke escapes Sanada’s trick! Konosuke fires haymakers, then winds up, but Sanada catches the arm! Sanada bends Konosuke’s fingers, then he makes Konosuke poke the ref in the eyes! Konosuke goes to check on the ref but Sanada bails out to fetch something. Konosuke storms over to Sanada, and Sanada SPRAYS something in Konosuke’s face! Is that the cold spray for sore muscles?! Konosuke flails and flounders, but Sanada brings out his guitar! The fans are torn as Sanada storms into the ring, and SMASH HIT! Konosuke flops down, Sanada hides the evidence, and he goes to the ref. Sanada gets the ref to count the cover, TWO?!?

Sanada is shocked and furious but the fans fire up again! Sanada snarls as he drags Konosuke up, reels him in, and DEAD- NO, Konosuke slips through, full nelsons then spins Sanada for RAGING- NO, Sanada slips free, spins Konosuke, and DEAD- NO, Konosuke rolls Sanada up, TWO!! Sanada runs up, but Konosuke ducks the Shining Wizard! WAGAMAMA KNEE! The fans fire up and Konosuke vows to end it! RAGING- NO, Sanada slips free, dragon sleeper! But Konosuke powers through! RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)

It took only ten minutes for Konosuke to deal with the real Sanada and take back the belt. Will Konosuke now be able to focus on AEW Forbidden Door in two weeks? Will the real Sanada have better luck next time?

No Disqualifications: El Phantasmo VS Jake Lee!

While things have been escalating between Unbound Company and United Empire, Hontai’s Headbanga has had his beef with the Silent Jester playing in the background. Things have also escalated to a boiling point, and now there’s no telling what these two will do! Will ELP humble this joker? Or will the joke be on him?

ELP gets an early start as he brings out chair after chair from under the ring during his entrance! Jake decides to do the same on his end, and now there’s about a dozen chairs in the ring and this isn’t even on record yet! Both men step in, grab a chair, and the bell rings! Jake takes a swing, ELP dodges, but then Jake dodges in return. They CLASH, CLASH, then ELP winds up, but Jake has the chair up for a shield. ELP winds up again but Jake puts the shield back up. But then ELP waits for Jake to drop his guard, and he CHUCKS the chair into him! The fans fire up and ELP fires haymakers on Jake. ELP whips, Jake reverses, but ELP slides under the hurdle.

ELP shoves Jake, then blows past him, but Jake bows to duck the dropkick! Jake laughs at ELP as he flounders, then runs up, only for ELP to DUMP him out! ELP then PLANCHAS, and down goes Jake! The fans fire up as ELP hops over railing to stand on the table, then he picks up Jake’s little stuffed monkey friend. ELP “listens to it,” then goes to fetch Jake. ELP drags Jake up and around, then snap suplexes him on the floor! Jake writhes but the fans rally as ELP rises up. ELP goes looking under the ring again, and he brings out a ladder! The fans cheer, that’s a fairly tall ladder. But then Jake CLBOBERS ELP and the ladder!

Jake mockingly claps but the fans do rally up. Jake points to the ladder, picks it up, and he stands it up for his own. Jake makes sure it is sturdy, but then ELP mule kicks Jake! ELP positions the ladder just right, and he SMACKS Jake off the rungs again and again! Then he THROWS Jake into the ladder! The fans cheer while ELP repositions the ladder again. ELP then climbs the ladder to the very top! The fans join in with “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY! ELP wipes out Jake and the Young Lions! ELP then puts Jake in the ring, brings him up, scoops and SLAMS! ELP then goes up the corner, FALLING AX HANDLE!

The fans cheer, and ELP air bass guitars. But Jake storms up while ELP jams out, and Jake CLUBS ELP down! The fans rally but Jake mocks the air guitar. Maybe it’s an air mandolin? Jake then takes out the black glove. ELP fires body shots and a CHOP, but Jake mule kicks! Jake gives ELP his dental check! Jake throws his glove away, but Jado gets on the apron. Jake BLASTS Jado down, then stomps away! The fans boo but Jake goes back to ELP in the ring. ELP has a chair and he JAMS Jake up! And SMACKS Jake on the back! Jake drops to his knees, and ELP starts setting chairs up in a square!

ELP SMACKS Jake to keep him down, then adds another layer to his square. ELP considers how it looks, and he adds even more chairs! He has a chair pyramid, but he feels something is missing. Jake storms up, ELP CHOKES him! Jake CHOKES ELP! ELP pulls hair, Jake pulls hair! ELP PURPLE NURPLES! And then DOUBLE PURPLE NURPLES! Jake freaks out, but then he BITES ELP on the chest! ELP CLUBS away on Jake but Jake finally lets go. Jake runs, but Jado KENDO STICK SMACKS him! SUDDEN DEATH! Cover, TWO! ELP clamps onto the arm, CROSSFACE! The fans cheer while Jake endures!

Jado slides the kendo stick to ELP, now it’s a KENDO CROSSFACE! But Jake BITES ELP’s thumb! Jake CLUBS ELP, ROUNDHOUSES, and he guzels. Jake aims at the chair pyramid! CHOKE SLAM down through the chairs!! The fans cheer while Jake clears out the chairs. Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as ELP survives, and he pounds the mat. The fans rally along, but Jake puts a chair around ELP’s neck! Jake goes to the far corner, runs back in, but ELP dodges! GAMANGIRI! Jake just roars! ELP dodges Jake, goes up, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up again while ELP hurries to a corner. ELP tunes up, and the fans clap along.

Jake rises up, Jado hands ELP a little white bag. ELP peeks inside, and he decides to untie his shoe? ELP hurries to open it up, and he pours out the classic metal plate! ELP is ready to load up like the old days, but Jake FACE BREAK SHOTS first!! And then Jake says what an idiot! LOADED BOOT SHOT!! Jake drags ELP up, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! ELP is OUT! Jake wins!!

Winner: Jake Lee, by referee stoppage

Whether it was the boot or the choke hold, Jake knocks ELP out cold! Jake laughs at ELP’s foolishness, but will this be the end of it? Or can ELP have the last laugh?

Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!

The rivalry of Heat Storm and Mullet is heating up, and there is some irony to their mentors being former teammates. But will the Holy Emperor or the Front Man prove they’ve done a better job training their protege?

The teams sort out and, after a stare down between rivals and between former Tekkers, the young proteges each insist. The fans applaud, and the bell rings. Yuya and “Roy” circle as the fans rally up. It seems to be an even split as the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, clinch, and Yuya avoids Oiwa shooting in. The two reset, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. Oiwa slips around, Yuya wrenches to a switch, but Oiwa powers his way free. Yuya drop toeholds then waistlocks, but Oiwa slips free. The fans applaud the exchange as the two go again. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Oiwa wrenches to wristlock.

Yuya endures the armlock, pushes Oiwa to ropes, then whips him away. Then Yuya runs the ropes with Oiwa, drops down, and arm-drags! The fans cheer while Yuya now has an armlock. Oiwa fights around, rises up, and Yuya wrenches. Oiwa powers Yuya to the ropes, whips him, then HIP TOSSES! Yuya staggers to his feet, Oiwa arm-drags, but then Yuya headscissors! Oiwa kips free, and the rivals get forehead to forehead. The fans fire up as Oiwa pushes Yuya. Oiwa and Yuya back away and they tag in ZSJ and Taichi! The fans fire up as the Tekkers stare down, and the dueling is strong again. The two feel things out, then knuckle lock.

The two go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and ZSJ hooks a leg. Taichi powers up to bend ZSJ back, but ZSJ bridges, rolls, and wrenches! ZSJ wristlocks but Taichi endures. ZSJ wrenches to wristlock again and again, then hammerlocks. Taichi spins but into a snapmare and NECK TWIST! Oiwa runs in just to BLAST Yuya down! TMDK then gets Taichi by the arms to double wrench, wrench, wrench, and then double leg takedown for double toe holds! Then they step on the arms, isolate them, and STOMP them! The fans cheer the teamwork, and ZSJ looms over Taichi. ZSJ brings Taichi up to bend the arm and twist the wrist.

ZSJ wrenches, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! And RIDGE HANDS! And KICK! ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm, whips Taichi to a corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! The fans fire up while both Tekkers are down! Taichi and ZSJ crawl, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya wrenches ZSJ, ZSJ wrenches back, and repeat! Then ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm again and again. ZSJ whips, Yuya goes up and over, then Yuya dodges to arm-drag! And DROPKICK! The fans cheer but Oiwa runs in! Oiwa kicks and whips but Yuya ducks ‘n’ dodges. Oiwa runs, and they DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Both men crash land but Yuya’s up first, and he DROPKICKS Oiwa down!

The fans fire up with Yuya as he strikes his “sun pose.” Yuya rallies the fans, then he runs at  ZSJ in the corner to SPLASH! Yuya HALF HATCH PLEXES, covers, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! ZSJ clasps hands and shifts around, and ZSJ goes for the ARMBAR! Yuya stacks, ONE, but Yuya has the ARMBAR! ZSJ fights up, around, and he stacks Yuya to jackknife bridge, TWO! Yuya escapes, then cradles ZSJ, TWO! ZSJ hurries to his feet, he blocks a shot and hooks Yuya’s arms. Yuya fights but ZSJ still backslides, TWO! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Yuya down! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa drags Yuya up. Oiwa headlocks, and he holds on tight as Yuya tries to power out!

The fans rally as Yuya fights up, powers up, and he powers out, only for Oiwa to whip and catch Yuya! COBRA TWIST! Yuya endures, but Oiwa makes it a PUMP HANDLE SLAM! Then he SENTONS on top! Cover, TWO! And back to the headlock! Yuya fights up again, RAMS Oiwa to a corner, then ELBOWS away on Oiwa in the corner! Yuya then whips corner to corner but Oiwa reverses. Yuya goes up, leaps, but Oiwa catches him, only for Yuya to wrench free. Oiwa rolls, but Yuya SAYANAGIS and ARM SCREWS! The fans cheer while both men are down. Yuya rolls his way over, tag to Taichi. Taichi runs up to CHOP Oiwa in a corner!

Taichi RIDGE HANDS again and again, then fires a flurry! Oiwa fires a forearm, but Taichi SPINNING RIDGE HANDS! ZSJ storms in and RAMS Taichi! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, whips, but Taichi reverses to RIDGE HAND, then HOOK KICK! The fans fire up with Taichi, but Oiwa waistlocks! Taichi breaks free to PELE! The fans fire up for Taichi as he rises up, and they chant “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Taichi kicks Oiwa around, then snapmares him for a KICK to the back! Oiwa gets up and he fires forearms! Taichi eggs Oiwa on, Oiwa ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa toughs it out but Taichi eggs him on again.

Oiwa sits up, Taichi BUZZ- NO, Oiwa blocks! ZSJ steps in and wrenches an arm to PELE! Oiwa CLUBS the leg, ZSJ BOOTS Yuya down, then ZSJ goes to Taichi. ZSJ drags Taichi into place while Oiwa climbs, NECK TWIST SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again! Oiwa stands Taichi up, puts him in the corner, and ZSJ ENZIGIRIS! Oiwa rolls for the CHAOS- NO, Yuya ENZIGIRIS Oiwa! Then he slips around ZSJ to full nelson! ZSJ breaks free, facelocks for the GUILLOTINE, but Yuya wrenches free to SAIDO! The fans fire up with Yuya and he brings Oiwa up for a whip and DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a SLIDING AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up with Taichi, and he brings Oiwa up. Taichi winds up to AX- NO, Oiwa ducks, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Oiwa staggers back, Taichi eggs him on, so Oiwa LARIATS again! Taichi stays standing! The fans fire up as Taichi AX BOMBERS, but Oiwa stays standing! Both men fire up, DOUBLE LARIAT, but Oiwa stands tall! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives, the fans fire up, and ZSJ has Yuya in an ANKLE LOCK as Oiwa hurries to bring Taichi up! Oiwa grinds the “Big Lock” headlock, but Taichi powers up, only for Oiwa to hold on tight! Oiwa grinds the hold and brings Taichi down!

The fans rally as Taichi endures, fights up, and clinches! But Oiwa fights off the Dangerous Saido with the Big Lock! Taichi drops back down, but the fans rally harder, and Taichi rises again! DANGER- NO, Oiwa lets go, so Taichi shoves him away! Oiwa spins, but Taichi ducks The Grip to Alabama Lift! But Oiwa fights that to a sunset flip, that Taichi sits on!! TAICHI & YUYA WIN!!

Winners: Yuya Uemura & Taichi, by pinfall

Oiwa is shocked, but he just got caught by the Holy Emperor’s Prawn Hold! Truly a mighty win for Taichi & Yuya, will they soon find themselves in line for golden opportunities?

El Desperado VS Mistico!

Now, you might be wondering, aren’t these two the NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Yes, they are. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have a friendly 1v1. Will this stay a friendly 1v1? Or are the Rogue Luchador and Talisman of Lucha jeopardizing their partnership already?

The bell rings and the fans cheer as the teammates talk, assuring this is all in good fun. They shake hands, the fans cheer more, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and go around. They break, reset, and the fans rally. They tie up again, Mistico fires body shots then headlocks. Despy powers up and out, drops down, but Mistico rolls over. Mistico keeps moving and springboards to CROSSBODY! Mistico then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Despy tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Mistico builds speed. Mistico DIVES and direct hit on Despy! Despy hits railing and the fans cheer Mistico. Mistico goes again, and he slides, but Despy ducks under!

Despy RAMS Mistico into the railing, then he goes into the ring. Despy builds speed to DIVE! A little scarier but that tope cannonball still hits! The fans fire up as Despy stands, and he brings Mistico around. Despy POSTS Mistico, then he storms up to BOOT him! Mistico staggers, Despy ROCKS him, then Despy puts Mistico in the ring. Despy drags Mistico up and around, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Despy threatens the mask! The fans are torn, the ref reprimands, and Mistico fights against Despy’s hand. Is Mistico trying to bite through the mask? The ref counts, Despy stops with the mask and he puts Mistico in the Tree of Woe.

Despy runs up and BOOTS Mistico out of the Tree! The fans rally, Despy stands Mistico up, but Mistico CHOPS! Despy CHOPS, Mistico CHOPS, repeat! Then Despy SMACKS Mistico down! Cover, ONE! The fans cheer, but Despy BOOTS Mistico back down! The fans rally as Despy whips, but Mistico ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA again! The fans rally with Mistico now and he runs up, but into a HAYMAKER! The ref reprimands but Despy brings Mistico up. Despy CLUBS Mistico, SMACKS him again, then whips, only for Mistico to block. Despy kicks a leg, then whips, but Mistico springboards to BACK ELBOW!

The fans rally as Mistico runs at Despy, but Despy puts him on the apron. Mistico blocks a shot to GAMANGIRI, then he springboards to FLYING RANA! Despy is up, but Mistico blocks to knuckle lock. Mistico CHOPS, KICKS, then goes up, up, and he has the cameraman watch closely as he FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans fire up as Despy tumbles out, but Mistico FLIES! Tornillo and down goes Despy! The fans fire up, Mistico rallies them, and he brings Despy into the ring. Mistico slingshots to TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! Despy toughs it out and the fans applaud. Mistico stays cool as he sits Despy up for a forearm.

Despy fires back, Mistico fires another, and they go back and forth. Mistico SOBATS, KICKS, then fireman’s carries! Mistico WASTELAND SLAMS Despy into the drop zone, then goes up the corner. The fans rally for the MOONSAULT, but into Despy’s BOOTS! Then a SPEAR! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Despy grows frustrated. Despy brings Mistico around, stomps him, then he goes up a corner. But Mistico GAMANGIRIS! Mistico shouts, “MOIKAI!” and the fans fire up. Mistico runs to GAMANGIRI again! Mistico then goes up after Despy, goes to the very top, and SUPER SPANISH FLIES! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Despy survives, and Mistico keeps calm. Mistico tries another cover, TWO! Mistico brings Despy around in a ghost pin, TWO! Mistico KICKS Despy down! The fans rally, Mistico stands Despy up, and he suplexes, only for Despy to fight it! Despy tries to suplex but Mistico fires body shots. Mistico suplexes, sits Despy on the top rope, then he springboards to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up while Mistico covers, TWO! Despy survives again but Mistico rallies the fans. Mistico stomps Despy, goes to the apron, and he springboards to SWANTON FLOP as Despy moves! Cover, TWO! Despy is frustrated again as Mistico survives.

The fans rally as Despy calls his shot, and he brings Mistico up. Despy whips Mistico, Mistico springboards and CROSSBODIES! Things keep moving, Mistico ducks ‘n’ dodges to LA MYSTI- NO, Despy stops that to roll and GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Mistico flails, but he TAPS! Despy wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall

The Rogue Luchador just scored a win off the Triple Champion! And while he’s fired up about it, Despy does show Mistico a sign of respect by offering a handshake. Mistico is a little salty, but Despy even kneels to show he is apologetic. Mistico accept, will he and Desperado only make each other better as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?

The G1 Climax blocks are announced!

That’s right, the summertime tradition is back for the 36th year! In A Block, it will be: Konosuke Takeshita; Yota Tsuji; SANADA; Shingo Takagi; Jake Lee; Boltin Oleg; and Hirooki Goto! In B Block, it will be: Callum Newman; Zack Sabre Jr; Shota Umino; Yuya Uemura; Ren Narita; “Drilla” Dan Moloney; and the returning Gabe Kidd! But that’s not all, as there are still a total of SIX wild card spots open! Two of those spots are on the line alongside the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships! The other four spots will be determined in qualifying matches on June 23rd and July 6th!

Then we blaze a trail from July 11th in Chicago’s NOW Arena, and all over Japan from July 18th to August 16th! Get ready to go hard for the Climax!

NEVER Openweight Championship: Ren Narita VS Aaron Wolf!

The Souled Out Son of Strong Style stole this title from the Olympian with the New Beginning in Osaka, and has found a way to hold onto it these past four months. But now Wolf is back in the hunt, will he make Ren pay for his crimes? Or will the House of Torture find another way to lie, cheat, and steal?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but then Ren attacks Wolf! The bell rings as Ren TOSSES Wolf out, then Ren brings Wolf up to whip into railing! The fans boo while Wolf slumps down, but Ren goes looking under the ring. Ren brings out some chairs, and he JAMS Wolf up! Then SMACKS him on the back! Ren then puts that chair on a leg, and he uses the other to CON-CHAIR-TO the knee! The fans boo and the ref reprimands while Wolf writhes and clutches his leg. Ren leaves Wolf behind, the ref has him back off, but Ren gets in the ref’s face about that. This is so Kanemaru, Yujiro & Dick can go after Wolf!

The fans boo more but they still JAM the leg up with the chair! The House of Torture gets away with one, then Dick puts Wolf in for Ren. The fans rally for Wolf but Ren drags him around to SMASH the knee! Ren stomps the leg, then pushes Wolf around. Ren whips, but Wolf manages to reverse! But Ren leg scissor captures to the KNEEBAR! Wolf scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Ren lets go, but then Ren stomps Wolf down. Ren brings Wolf up, but Wolf CHOPS! But then Ren CLAWS Wolf’s eyes! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Ren stops at 4. Ren swings, but into a SAYANAGI! The fans cheer as Wolf fires up!

Wolf runs up, but the ref is used as a shield! Ren then holds the ref hostage while the House attacks! Wolf blocks Dick’s kick, but Kanemaru DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans boo more but Dick & Kanemaru set Wolf up for Yujiro. Yujiro aims with the pimp cane, but Wolf THROWS Dick at him! Then he SAYANAGIS Kanemaru! Then he CLOBBERS Yujiro! Ren runs up but into a kick, and SAYANAGI! The fans fire up with Wolf, and he runs corner to corner at Ren! LARIAT! Wolf then brings Ren in and snap suplexes! Then an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but the fans rally behind Wolf.

Wolf rises, he drags Ren up and around, then fireman’s carries, but Ren slips free! Wolf ELBOWS Ren down, but Ren kicks the legs out! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Wolf is caught but the fans rally as he fights back up! Ren wrenches free and fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ren survives, but ends up in the WOLF TRIANGLE! Ren endures, flails, but then Kanemaru jumps onto the apron! Dick slides in during the distraction, and he uses the SPOILER CHOKER! But Wolf still BOOTS Ren away, into the ref! The House stomps away on Wolf while the fans boo! But wait, here comes Toru Yano and Konosuke Takeshita!

The fans cheer as Producer and Alpha fight off the House! Konosuke coaches up Wolf and Wolf rises up. Konosuke & Yano drag the House away while Ren panics! Ren sends the ref at Wolf! Wolf blocks the low blow to LEG IPPON! The fans fire up as Wolf then drags Ren up, and ROCKS him! And ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Ren kicks the leg, runs, but Wolf LARIATS! The fans fire up as Wolf hauls Ren up, reels him in, and torture racks for the INVERTED ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but the fans continue to cheer Wolf on. Wolf slaps himself to fire back up, and he reels Ren back in! But Ren slips free!

Ren KICKS a leg, distracts the ref again, even covers his face, and LOW BLOWS Wolf! DOUBLE CROSSER!! Cover, TWO!!! Wolf survives, but Ren ties up the legs! FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! But Wolf endures, fights around, but Ren keeps him from the ropes! Ren bends a foot but the fans continue to rally! Wolf fights, fights, claws around, even bites his wrist to endure! ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer as Ren lets Wolf go. Ren is frustrated, but he climbs up the corner. Ren dares Wolf to stand and get cut down! HELL’S- NO, Wolf dodges the guillotine knee to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Ren flounders to ropes, Wolf rises up, and the fans rally even harder. Ren runs up, but into the URENAGE! The fans fire up and Wolf roars, for the ANGLE SLAM!! Cover, WOLF WINS!!

Winner: Aaron Wolf, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

The House tried to stack the deck all over again, but Wolf has his revenge! He becomes a TWO-TIME NEVER Openweight Champion, will he never let it go again?

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Great-O-Khan & Henare!

The Knock Out Brothers have dominated as champions, but the Dominator & Mauler look to take back the titles they never truly lost. And now, this match means even more because the winners get to join the G1! Will the United Empire conquer the Unbound Company? Or will everyone get high in Osaka-Jo Hall?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who has it all!

The teams sort out and Yuto gets in Henare’s face. Henare SLAPS Yuto, but Yuto SLAPS back! Yuto laughs but the ref has both men back off. The fans rally up with the bell, and the two run in! They both ROCK the other with a heavy forearm, and they stagger back! Yuto comes back to shove Henare, then the forearms fly! The fans rally as the shots are fast ‘n’ furious, and the two end up on ropes! The ref reprimands but the two keep throwing shots! Henare KNEES Yuto, CLUBS him down, then runs, but into a forearm! Yuto runs, but Henare RUNS him over! The fans fire up while Henare snarls. Henare KICKS Yuto in the back, but Yuto eggs him on.

Henare KICKS Yuto again, but Yuto stands up. Henare CHOPS him down, then SENTONS on top! The fans cheer, and Henare runs the ropes to PENALTY- NO, Yuto ducks the kick, stands up, and he KNEES Henare low! Yuto whips but Henare ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Yuto to BOOT him down! The fans cheer, and Yuto sits Henare up. Yuto runs, but Khan trips him! The fans boo but Henare runs to SENTON Yuto! Oskar protests but the ref keep shim back, and then Khan YANKS Oskar from the apron! Khan RAMS Oskar into railing, then RAMS him into more railing! The fans boo but Henare drags Yuto up to ROCK him with a forearm.

Henare CHOPS Yuto, but Yuto pulls Henare’s hair! Yuto fires forearm after forearm, but Henare CHOPS! Khan BITES Yuto’s forehead! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Khan stops at 4. The Empire soaks up the heat, then Khan tags in. Khan kicks Yuto around, stalks him, and KICKS a leg out! Yuto clutches the knee, but Khan stomps away on it! Khan KICKS the leg again, then stalks Yuto. Khan sucker punches Oskar, but that only pisses Oskar off! Oskar storms in, fires off on Khan, then he fires off on Henare! The fans fire up as the Giant German fires off on Henare, but Khan CLUBS him! Khan baits Oskar in, and DUMPS him out!

But Oskar lands on his feet and the fans fire up! Only for Khan & Henare to DOUBLE BOOT him down! The fans boo but The Empire soaks up heat again. Khan stands on Yuto’s knee and mockingly asks what’s wrong. Yuto has the ropebreak so Khan backs off. Khan dares Yuto to bring the fight, and Yuto hobbles to his feet. But then Khan just trips Yuto! Khan laughs at Yuto and taunts the fans. The fans boo but Khan soaks it up. Khan goes back to Yuto as the fans cheer “AISU! AISU!” Yuto stands to ROCK Khan, ROCK him again, then again! But Khan Mongolian Chops! Khan runs but into a mule kick! Yuto THROWS Khan by his hair!

The fans fire up while both men are down. Yuto crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Oskar! Oskar storms in and RUNS Khan over! Oskar BLASTS Henare, too! The fans fire up as Oskar CHOPS Khan, KNEES him low, then kicks him to the corner. Oskar pulls Khan’s hair, but the ref counts. Oskar stops, he stomps away on Khan, but Henare fires off! Oskar waistlocks to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up with Oskar and he drags Khan up. Oskar whips Khan corner to corner hard, and Khan slumps down in the corner! The fans fire up as Oskar snarls. Oskar aims, runs in, but Khan dodges! Khan clamps on the DOMINATOR CLAW!

But Oskar guzels Khan! Oskar pries free of the iron claw to then KNEE low and whip again. Oskar runs up to ELBOW Khan, then snapmare for the LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but the fans still cheer Oskar. Oskar rises up, he takes aim from the corner, and he dares Khan to get up. Khan rises up, Oskar runs in, but Khan bails out! The fans boo but Oskar pursues. Khan hurries back in, but Oskar drags him back out! Oskar CHOPS Khan down! And CHOPS him again! Oskar puts Khan back in, fires the fans up, but Khan KICKS the ropes to jam Oskar up! The fans boo, but Khan KICKS Oskar’s leg out! Oskar falls to the mat while Khan catches his breath.

Khan crawls, tag to Henare. Khan hurries to BLAST Yuto while Henare stomps Oskar. Khan kicks Yuto down, Henare CLUBS Oskar, and The Empire brings Oskar up. But Oskar fights the suplex with body shots. Henare CLUBS Oskar, but Oskar CHOPS and ROCKS and repeat! Then he guzels them both! But Khan breaks free to Mongolian Chop! Henare ROCKS Oskar, Khan UPPERCUTS! But Oskar just roars! But then a DOUBLE BOOT hits again! Khan INVERTED STOs Oskar down! Henare waits as Khan brings Oskar back up, scoops him, and ROUNDHOUSE into the T T D! Cover, but Yuto breaks it!

The fans cheer, but Henare TOSSES Yuto out! Henare roars but the fans rally for Oskar. The ref checks on Oskar, he seems to be in rough shape. Khan stands Oskar up but Oskar fights the lift. Oskar CLUBS Khan, BOOTS Henare, then scoops Khan to SLAM! KNEE for Henare, then Oskar CLUBS and ELBOW DROPS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oskar crawls, hot tag to Ice! Yuto KICKS Henare, KNEES him, and stomps him down. Then Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” KNEE WASH! Cover, TWO! Yuto stomps Henare, stomps him again, then winds up to BUZZ- NO, Henare blocks!

Henare shoves the foot down but Yuto ROCKS him! Henare scowls, and he ROCKS Yuto! Yuto ROCKS Henare, Henare ROCKS Yuto, repeat! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth! Yuto fires a flurry, but Henare BODY BLOWS! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Henare whips Yuto to ropes. Yuto stops himself, BOOTS Henare, then dodges Henare. Henare dodges Yuto and scoops for the BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for “AISU! AISU!” but Henare scowls. Henare drags Yuto up, reels him in, but Yuto stops the suplex! Yuto suplexes Henare up and over! The fans fire up, but Henare’s right back up!

Yuto stands to SLAP away with palm strikes! Henare swings but Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves! Henare gets pissed and shouts “F YOU!” but Yuto just DECKS him! The fans fire up with Yuto and he sits Henare up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Henare survives but Yuto hurries to BLAST Khan off the apron! Yuto says, “You want high? You get high!” Yuto kicks Henare around, eggs him on, then shouts, “Show me your mana, b*tch!” Yuto HEADBUTTS Henare, but that was a mistake! Yuto wobbles, and Henare powers up! Henare drags Yuto back up, and he fires furious palm strikes and knees! Henare fires off in the corner, but the ref says stop!

Henare backs off, but Oskar is in! Oskar pulls Henare’s hair, then CHOPS! Henare just growls! Henare then dodges a boot to WHEEL KICK Oskar down! Henare staggers to his feet, he runs up on Yuto, NATIVE KNEE! Henare keeps moving, and he LARIATS! Cover, ONE?!? Yuto rises, but Henare runs up! Yuto BOOTS the lariat, ROUNDHOUSES, then runs again! ICE HIGH!! Cover, ONE?!?! Henare rises while the fans fire up! Yuto staggers his way back over, they go forehead to forehead, then palm strike for palm strike! Henare fires a flurry, but Yuto SMACKS him right back! The fans fire up again, and Henare fires a STRAIGHT RIGHT!

The fans rally while the ref reprimands! Yuto says do that again! Henare ROCKS Yuto with another closed fist, so Yuto just fires right back! The ref reprimands, but they BOTH shove him down! The bare fist brawl keeps going, and Henare ROCKS Yuto! Yuto winds up to ROCK Henare! Henare holds onto a wristlock as he fires more haymakers! The ref reprimands, but then Yuto fires a slugging combo! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Yuto rises, hobbles, then flops back down! Khan slides in and he clamps on the DOMINATOR CLAW! Oskar clamps on a double guzel! Khan kicks at Oskar’s feet, then fires a forearm.

Khan Mongolian Chops, whips, but Oskar reverses to BOOT! Khan staggers around, so Oskar LARIATS him up and out! The fans are thunderous as Oskar helps Yuto stand. Oskar then hauls Henare up, lifts, and hit the RUMBLING BOMB!! Cover, KHAN BREAKS IT! Oskar clamps on the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Khan flails, reaches out, but he’s fading already! Oskar then DUMPS Khan out, and he shouts to Ice! They stand again, and they say thumbs down! Yuto hauls Henare up, feeds him to Oskar, but Henare RUNNING HEADBUTTS!! Oskar falls out of the ring! Yuto hurries to get Henare, fires a forearm, AMBITION RIGHT meets a HEADBUTT!!

Henare then spins to HEEL KICK Ice down! The fans are torn but Henare, blood from his nose or maybe lip, runs up! RAMPAGE MEETS CRUELLA!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Henare barely gets that shoulder up, but Yuto roars! The fans are thunderous as the kneepad comes down! Yuto sits Henare up, but Henare dodges the “Heartless Knee!” Henare SHOVES Yuto to ropes, but also gets in the ref’s way, and Khan CHUCKS A CHAIR!! Henare hits RAMPAGE!!! Cover, OSKAR BREAKS IT!! The fans cheer and Oskar brings up the chair! The ref didn’t see anything, but Khan slides in! Oskar steps on the chair! NOW the ref sees it!

Oskar takes the chair, but then the ref grabs at it! Oskar shoves the ref, but Khan BOOTS the chair into Oskar! Then Khan kicks Oskar out, and he brings Yuto up. Khan puts Yuto up top, Henare gets under, and Khan clamps on the claw! DOMINATOR BOMB!! Cover, EMPIRE WINS!!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

The Knock Out Brothers’ dominance has ended! Khan & Henare are each double champions as they also have the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions, and they’re even going on to the G1! But that’s not enough for Khan, he brings out a fresh chair! The fans boo, but Khan still aims! Oskar shields Yuto, and Khan smiles. Khan applauds the courage and loyalty, but then he just SMACKS away on Oskar’s back! The fans boo, Khan throws the chair aside, and he eggs the fans on. Khan picks up the belts while the fans tell the Empire to go away. Khan sets the chair on top of Ice and Oskar so he can sit on them!

The fans boo even more, but Khan & Henare have conquered the Unbound! Will they both go on to conquer their G1 Climax blocks, and then the world?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat: Andrade El Idolo VS Shota Umino VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Real Latino Man may want after the AEW World Championship, but he must still defend the title he won back at Wrestling Dontaku. He’s taking a big gamble, though, facing both The Roughneck and 44 Caliber at the same time. Will Andrade make it through Dominion with the gold? Or will he be sent home emptyhanded?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how you know!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. It sounds like “MO-LO-NEY!” has the strongest showing, but there are “SHO-TA! SHO-TA!” chants. Andrade applauds sarcastically, and the three step up. There’s some trash talk about who Andrade should worry about, and Drilla pushes Shota aside, only for Shota to push back. They argue now, so Andrade bails out. Andrade says go ahead, fight. Shota and Drilla both say no, he needs to be in here, too. So they go out after Andrade! Andrade slides back in and taunts them to come back in. Shota slides in, but Drilla yanks him back out and sends him into railing! Then Drilla storms in, blocks a shot, and CHOPS!

The fans rally as Drilla fires off haymakers! Drilla has Andrade in the corner, but Shota storms back in. Shota shoves Drilla aside so that Shota can fire forearms on Andrade! The fans boo, but Drilla pushes Shota aside to fire off on Andrade! The fans cheer Drilla, but Shota shoves Drilla. Drilla shoves back, but Shota kicks low. Shota headlocks, Drilla powers up and out, but Shota RAMS him! Drilla rebounds to RAM Shota, but Shota rebounds to duck ‘n’ dodge and CLOBBER Drilla! The fans cheer that, and they cheer Drilla as he kips up! Andrade attacks them both but they hit back. They double whip Andrade, then Drilla runs up.

Andrade dodges Drilla, RANAS Shota, then kicks and whips Drilla. Drilla reverses, hurdles, drops down, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up but then Shota SHOTGUNS Drilla! Drilla rebounds but into a waistlock. Drilla ELBOWS free, runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Drilla bails out, and Shota dodges Andrade to whip. Andrade goes tranquilo in the ropes! The fans cheer that, but Shota runs up, to FLY over Andrade and take out Drilla! But then Andrade WRECKS Shota with a dropkick! The fans rally up as Andrade climbs a corner, and he ARIHARA MOONSAULTS onto both Shota and Drilla!

The fans fire up and Andrade smiles as he stands back up. Andrade drags Shota up to put him in the ring, then he goes back up the corner. FROG SPLASH! Cover, but Drilla breaks it! Drilla reels Andrade in, but Andrade suplexes first! That’s just Uno Amigo, and Andrade suplexes again! That’s Dos Amigos, and then Andrade gives some Latino Heat! The fans cheer, and Andrade hits THREE AMIGOS! Andrade puts Shota next to Drilla, goes back up the corner, and MOONSAULT DOUBLE on Shota! Cover, but Drilla drags Andrade up, in, and DRILLA- NO, Andrade slips free, waistlocks, but Drilla switches.

Andrade switches, Drilla CHOPS, and Drilla runs up, but into a BOOT! Andrade runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Andrade survives but Drilla stays cool. Drilla aims from a corner, the fans bark, and Andrade rises. Drilla runs up, but Shota SHOTGUNS first! Andrade covers Shota, ONE, and Shota ELBOWS Andrade! Andrade ducks the enzigiri, Shota slips under Andrade, then Shota waistlocks. Shota ducks an elbow, ROCKS Andrade, then ROLLING- NO, Andrade CHOPS first! Andrade runs, but Shota pops him up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Shota reels Andrade in, but Andrade trips Shota, and has the legs!

The fans fire up as Andrade calls his shot, then steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Shota endures, reaches out, but Drilla is up top! MACHO ELBOW on Andrade! The fans fire up while all three men are down! Drilla rises, he reels Shota in, and he Canadian Racks, only for Shota to slip down! Shota scoops, but Drilla slips free. Drilla shoves Shota at Andrade and Andrade BOOTS him! Drilla SUPERKICKS Andrade! Shota ROCKS Drilla! Andrade runs to FLYING FOREARM Shota! The fans fire back up as all three men are back down! Drilla rises, he still has the majority of the fans on his side. Drilla CHOPS Andrade, but Shota CHOPS Drilla!

Andrade CHOPS Shota, but Drilla CHOPS Andrade! Shota CHOPS Drilla again, but Drilla CHOPS Shota! Andrade CHOPS Drilla, Shota CHOPS Andrade! Drilla CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS away on Shota, but Shota snarls. Shota winds up to ROCK Drilla! Andrade SMACKS Shota! Andrade runs, but Shota sidesteps, so Andrade RANAS Drilla! Drilla tumbles out of the ring but Shota dodges Andrade to GERMAN SUPLEX! Andrade lands out! But then Shota blocks a boot, ROCKS Andrade, and he runs corner to corner. Andrade drop toeholds Shota into the buckles! The fans rally as Andrade pounds the mat. Andrade runs corner to corner, but Drilla GORES! Cover, TWO!

Drilla slashes his throat and the fans fire up! Drilla drags Andrade up, Canadian Racks, but Shota saves Andrade so he can ROCK Drilla! Shota runs, springboards, and TORNADO DDTS! Shota keeps moving, he scoops Drilla, but Andrade SUPERKICKS Shota down! The fans rally up as Shota falls into a corner! Andrade goes corner to corner, Shota is CIEN KNEES! Cover, but Drilla gator rolls Andrade away! Drilla reels Andrade in, lifts him up, and PILEDRIVERS! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and the fans fire up again! Drilla drags Andrade up, tries again, but Andrade fights the lift. And Shota LARIATS Drilla!

Andrade jumps up to POISON-RANA Shota! Shota stands, but then he falls right back down! The fans fire up again while all three are down. Andrade rises, Shota crawls, but Andrade drags him up. Andrade underhooks but Shota fights the lift. Shota wrenches free, shoves Andrade, Drilla takes the SHADOW ELBOW! Andrade hurries to get Shota, DESTROYER! Andrade hurries again, underhook and DIRECT MESSAGE!! Cover, DRILLA BREAKS IT!! The fans fire up as Drilla saves Shota and therefore himself in this match! The fans rally even harder for “MO-LO-NEY! MO-LO-NEY!” as he slowly rises up.

Andrade brings Drilla around to THROW him out, then Andrade unties a buckle pad. Andrade can’t quite get it all untied, so he just goes over to Shota. The fans rally as Andrade drags Shota up the corner, but then Drilla GAMANGIRIS Andrade! Andrade slumps down in the corner, and the fans fire up with Drilla. Drilla grabs Andrade, YANKS him right up into a Canadian Rack, and DRILLA- NO, Andrade lands out! But Drilla avoids a kick! Andrade avoids a lariat! Drilla dodges, SHADOW ELBOW hits Shota! Drilla GORES Andrade! The fans fire up with Drilla and he hauls Andrade up again, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, SHOTA STRIKE KNEES!!

The fans boo Shota ruining things for Drilla but he doesn’t care! Shota reloads, runs up and STRIKE KNEE from the front!! Cover, ONE?!?! Drilla is fired up, but Shota gets moving! ROUGHNECK LARIAT!! Drilla falls, Shota roars, and Shota goes after Andrade! But Andrade cradles Shota, TWO!! Shota escapes, Andrade ducks to wrench and underhook. Shota wrenches out, full nelsons, then he spins Andrade to a DDT! Shota hurries to bring Andrade up, hooks a leg, and SECOND CHAPTER!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!!

Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Drilla was fingertips from breaking this one up, and Shota finally strikes gold in NJPW! Andrade indeed goes home emptyhanded, will this only put fuel on the fire for that AEW World Championship? Meanwhile, Drilla and Shota are each emotional, but in different ways. Shota has his hand raised as he holds up the belt, all his hard work vindicated by this victory. Drilla rests on the ropes, wondering what more he could’ve done. But Shota does show Drilla respect by saying they can go 1v1 some time. They shake hands on that, when and where will these two have it out? Shota then grabs a mic to address the crowd, but GABE KIDD ATTACKS!!

The fans go nuts seeing The Mad Man back again! And between the hoodie and his attitude, he is NOT Unbound Company, he is NOT NJPW, he is AEW and Death Riders through and through! PILEDRIVER on Shota!! Gabe grabs the mic to mockingly ask what’s wrong. Then “SUCK YOUR MOMS! URUSEI, KONOYAROU!” The mic is glitchy, but Gabe says this was supposed to be Drilla, NOT Shota, and Drilla knows it! But since Drilla can’t get it done, Gabe will. He has a message from the Death Riders! Shota was never one of them, it was a token, because “we” stand on business, and “we” set the standard! Shota’s failed every opportunity his dad has ever politicked for!!

The fans boo as Gabe SPITS on Shota! Gabe mockingly asks what’s wrong, then tells everyone off. He put his life on the line for NJPW, and yet, what does he get? Wait, Drilla is slowly making his way back to ringside. Gabe tells Drilla to remember how they cheered for Gabe, then how quickly they dismissed him! This is BS, Drilla is a rockstar, so F all these c*nts! THIS is a champion? Gabe will show us what a champion looks like. Gabe throws off his hoodie to show off the muscles, and he says whenever he wants, he is going to take this title. Shota wouldn’t even had this if Gabe hadn’t gotten injured. Gabe will finish this with a line from his new boss.

Gabe has the cameras to zoom in. F WWE, F A- No, wait, wrong one! F NJPW!! A E W, where the BEST wrestle! NJPW ichiban NO MORE! Gabe flips the fans off, then SPITS on the belt before he throws it down! Gabe is in the G1, too, will he take everything for his own just to stick it to everyone who let him leave?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS YOH!

Japones Del Mal skipped the entirety of this year’s Best of the Super Juniors, because he felt it was beneath him, “The God of Junior Heavyweights.” However, Direct Drive won this year’s tournament, and now cashes in his opportunity for the gold! Will Yoh prove he is truly the Best of the Super Juniors? Or will the House of Torture find a new way to stack the deck?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins the battle of good and evil!

The bell rings and the fans all cheer for “YO-OH! YO-OH!” Yoh and Douki slowly circle, but Sho shows up fashionably late to the party. Yoh smiles and shakes his head. Yoh goes to “greet” his old tag partner with a kiss, but Sho drops back and Douki attacks! The fans boo but Douki digs his boot into Yoh’s head at the ropes. The ref counts, Douki steps off, and he whips Yoh to ropes. Yoh reverses, bypasses, then drop toeholds. Yoh runs, but Sho trips him up! Douki rolls Yoh up, through, and into the ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Yoh scrambles back to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Douki lets go, and Douki argues with the ref.

Yoh bails out while the fans rally, but the ref sees Sho approaching with a chair! The ref stops Sho, but then Douki grabs the title belt! BELT SHOT on Yoh! The fans boo but Douki gets away with one! Douki leaves Yoh behind and wants the ring count to handle this. The ref checks Yoh first, then he starts the count. Yoh is still down at 8 of 20, and Douki unties a buckle pad! Seems it’s still just as much the House Special as it is anything else! Yoh slowly rises at 12, but still crawls at 15. Yoh manages to stand at 18, and he rolls in at 19.5! The fans cheer but Douki brings him up to bump off those bare buckles! The ref reprimands but the damage is done.

Douki hits a DDT, then he pushes Yoh over to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Douki clamps on a chinlock, digging his knee into Yoh’s back. The ref makes sure that’s not a choke, and Yoh endures all the same. The fans rally as Yoh kicks his way forward, only for Douki to drag him back and into a headscissor! Douki pushes up to add pressure, but Yoh still endures. Yoh fights around, kicks his way over, and the fans rally as he makes his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Douki holds until the ref counts 4. The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Douki doesn’t care. Douki struts around, then he goes over to Yoh.

Douki talks trash, slaps Yoh around, then eggs him on. Yoh fires a forearm, then another. Douki laughs it off, but then Yoh fires another. Douki UPPERCUTS, then he whips Yoh into the bare buckles! Douki reels Yoh in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Yoh toughs it out, but Douki is amused. Douki drags Yoh up and around, hooks his arms, but Yoh fights the lift. Yoh kicks his way forward, reaches out, but Douki spins him to KNEE low! Douki runs, but Yoh waistlocks. Douki elbows free, but Yoh keeps him from running. Douki uses the British Escape, but Yoh blocks the enzigiri to DRAGON SCREW the leg!

The fans rally while both men are down. Yoh rolls away to a corner, then runs up to CLOBBER Douki! And CLOBBER him again! Yoh whips Douki into the bare buckles, then turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Sho is upset but Yoh grabs his leg for a DRAGON SCREW in the ropes! Yoh then goes out and whips Sho hard into railing! Sho writhes but that’s what he gets. Yoh then apologizes to Abe-san, and he RAMS Sho into the timekeeper’s table! Down goes Abe-san as Yoh uses an Evil tactic! The fans still cheer, and Yoh goes back to the ring. Yoh climbs up the corner, aims at Douki, and TIGER DROPS! Cover, TWO!

Douki is still in this but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh grins as he stomps Douki, then kicks him around. Yoh drags Douki up, reels him in, but Douki fights the suplex! Yoh still tries, but then he drops Douki so the leg jams! Yoh runs, Douki uses the ref as a shield, but Yoh DROPKICKS Douki’s leg as a way of ducking the roundhouse! Yoh then underhooks, but Douki RAMS him into the bare buckles! DOuki then wrenches and MONKEY FLIPS, and rolls into the ITALIAN STRETCH #32! The fans rally for Yoh as he endures, fights up, and fights around. Douki pulls on the arms and he drags Yoh down! The fans rally harder as Yoh fights, but Douki rolls him to center!

Douki has the ITALIAN STRETCH back on, and Yoh endures all over again! Yoh fights around, but he falls over! The fans rally harder and harder, and Yoh keeps moving! Yoh reaches out, fights back up, and he drags Douki over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Douki lets go at 4. Douki huffs ‘n’ puffs but he goes to the apron. Douki lines up a shot, waits on Yoh to rise, and DAYBREAK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Yoh survives! Douki vows to end it now, though, as he goes for the legs. Yoh fights the wheelbarrow, but not for long! Douki full nelsons but Yoh slips free, trips Douki, and TWISTS the leg!

The fans rally while both men are down and Douki clutches his knee. Yoh worries about his neck but he still rises up. Douki drags himself to the ropes, Yoh grabs a leg, but the ref reprimands. Yoh still holds onto the leg, but then Douki CLAWS Yoh’s eyes! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Douki runs up on Yoh. Yoh still ROCKS Douki first! Douki HELL STABS, but Yoh dodges! Douki dodges back, but runs into the JUMP KNEE! Yoh hurries to full nelson, Douki breaks it, but he ends up in a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Yoh as he roars, and he has the wild grin as he drags Douki up.

Yoh reels Douki in but Douki fights the underhooks. Sho gets on the apron again, and this distraction lets Douki LOW- NO! Yoh blocks in time! Yoh wrenches and swings Douki into Sho! Then the underhooks, but Douki KICKS the ref! Douki whips Yoh into the bare buckles! Sho hurries in and he stomps away on Yoh! Sho grabs the Black Mirror, but Tatsuya Matsumoto the Young Lion protests! Sho SMACKS Matsumoto down! Sho gets back in the ring, he aims at Yoh, but MASTER WATO is here! Wato stops Sho, Yoh kicks Sho, and Yoh has the mirror! Wato holds Sho up, Yoh swings, but Sho ducks! The mirror SMACKS Wato!!

Sho attacks Yoh, then he holds Yoh up for Douki! Douki winds up, but Yoh sends Sho into him! Then DOUBLE LOW BLOWS! The fans fire up the shoutout to Yano, and then Yoh hits a FALCON ARROW on the mirror! Douki writhes, the ref is back, and the fans rally behind Yoh. Yoh hauls Douki up, underhooks, but Douki wrenches free again! Douki sends Yoh at the ref, then slips around, LOW BLOW! Gory Especial, DODON NO JUTSU! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives, but ends up in ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Yoh endures again as Douki pulls on the hold! Yoh falls over, but the fans rally! Yoh rises again, and he fights his way over!

Douki rolls Yoh away, but Yoh uses that to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Yoh grabs Douki’s leg, but Douki kicks at him! Yoh blocks that kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW again! The fans fire up with Yoh, then he grabs the legs! But Douki tries to pull Yoh’s hair! Yoh has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! The fans cheer the shoutout to President Ace! Douki endures, fights, but Yoh drags him back! Douki still fights, but Y oh drags Douki again! Wait, Tanahashi is leaving commentary?  He takes the death pipe so Douki can’t use it! But then Sho attacks Tanahashi and TOSSES him over railing!

The fans boo, but Douki smothers the ref so he can’t see Sho CHOKE Yoh with the pipe! Yoh lets Douki go, SUPERKICKS Sho down, but Douki rolls Yoh and reels him in! But Yoh slips free to underhook! DIRECT- NO, Douki slips free, rolls Yoh with tights, TWO!!! Yoh is free, and he ducks a shot to underhook, DRAPING DIRECT DRIVE!! The fans are thunderous as Yoh rises, and he roars again! Yoh waits on Douki, and he tunes up! SUPERKICK!! Yoh vows to end it now, and he underhooks again! DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, YOH WINS!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

He’s fought so hard for so long, and he finally has his vindication! Yoh wins BOSJ and the title in the same year, having dethroned Douki and- Wait, Sho storms into the ring to complain about how Yoh won. Yoh shoves Sho aside as he dares Kosei Fujita to come see him for this belt. But then Sho attacks Yoh! The fans boo as Sho picks up the belt and tells Fujita isn’t getting anything! But then Wato is up and he DECKS Sho! Wato holds onto the belt, could the tag partner want his own shot at the belt? Now Fujita gets int he ring and says Wato must be stupid if he thinks he’s next after losing in BOSJ! Yoh says hey, that’s HIS belt!

The fans cheer, and Wato hands the belt over to the champion. Yoh again dares Fujita to try a rematch with him, but then FRANCESCO AKIRA ATTACKS EVERYONE! The Crown of Fire is very heated over not even making the semifinals, and he’s taking it out on three of them at once! Akira says there’s no party without him! Akira then runs upon Yoh, but Yoh dodges! Yoh kicks low, underhooks, but Akira slips away! Akira runs off now that it’s a fair fight, and Yoh gets the mic to say, “It seems like all of you wanna challenge me next. But you cannot challenge that easily. So maybe we should play a game?” The fans like that!

Yoh says that it’ll be a “Yoh Game,” a Fatal 4 Way to name a #1 contender! Let the games begin! Direct Drive has given his four ambitious challengers their path forward, but will it be the Murder Machine, Japanese Young Punk, Crown of Fire or Way to the Grandmaster that charges ahead?

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman w/ The United Empire VS Yota Tsuji w/ Shingo Takagi!

The Prince won the New Japan Cup, won the title, then even slayed the Rampaging Dragon to keep the title. In that time, The Gene Blast lost the Global Heavyweight Championship and feels restless. Will this title once again be Unbound? Or will Yota have no choice but to make way for The Prince?

President Tanahashi steps back into the ring to give the formal introductions for this main event. Callum drops the belt at Tanahashi’s feet, but the belt is still raised, and we see who truly stands at the top of NJPW!

Red Shoes knows The Empire wants to be ringside for Callum but he insists it is just one of them since Yota has just Shingo. Callum assures Red Shoes it will be fine, so the Empire is allowed to stay. Then Callum SPITS at Yota, shoves him and eggs him on. The bell rings and the two run up! Callum dodges, then he BOOTS Yota! The forearms fly as the fans fire up! Callum fires a flurry, then a KNEE and a CHOP! Callum whips, Yota reverses, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS Yota down! But Yota’s right up to RUN Callum over! The fans cheer, Yota whips, but Callum reverses. Callum dodges but Yota trips him this time! And he adds a basement DROPKICK!

The fans fire up for Yota but Callum goes to ropes. Yota stalks Callum, drags him up, then throws a forearm. Yota CHOPS Callum in the corner, snapmares, then NECK TWEAKS! Callum clutches his neck, and he wants Yota to wait, but Yota stomps him! Yota clamps onto Callum with a PLUMA BLANCA! The fans rally while Callum endures Yota’s shoutout to Naito. Callum kicks his way around but Yota keeps him from ropes. Callum still fights, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go, Callum checks his neck, but he seems okay to continue. Yota BODY BLOWS Callum down, then BODY BLOWS again! Callum fires back, but Yota slips around to GUT BUSTER DROP!

The fans rally while Callum sputters, but Yota pushes him down. Yota kneels on Callum’s back, then pulls him into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Yota flings Callum then covers, TWO! The fans rally as Yota keeps after Callum, then RAMS into him! And RAMS him again, and again! Callum grimaces but Yota smiles. The Empire protests but the fans rally as Yota whips. Callum reverses, slips around, but Yota ELBOWS free! Yota runs, but Callum puts him on the apron! Then Callum sweeps the legs to DROPKICK Yota down! Callum takes his time catching his breath before he goes out to fetch Yota. Callum SPITS at the fans but they boo more.

Callum stands Yota up, and whips him hard into railing! Yota tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land, but Callum follows him out. Callum has fans clear out, then he brings Yota over to make him take a seat. Callum BOOTS Yota, then he gets space. Callum does it a little different, but he still BOWLS Yota over in the chairs! Not quite a strike but still a strong dropkick! Callum then steps on Yota as he heads back to ringside. The fans rally for Yota while the ring count starts. Callum waits on Yota as he’s still down at 8 of 20. Callum even fakes a yawn as if this is too easy. Yota stands at 14, hobbles his way over, and he’s back in at 17! But Callum stomps Yota down!

Callum digs his boot into Yota’s head, but stops as Red Shoes counts 4. The fans boo but Callum wrenches and whips Yota hard into a corner! Callum lounges on the ropes to mock Yota and tranquilo, then he goes back to Yota. Callum scuffs Yota, eggs him on, and even dares him to take a shot. Yota stands to fire a forearm but Callum says that was cute. Now really try. Yota fires another forearm and Callum mockingly says it hurt. Yota fires another shot, but Callum fires a flurry! Only to swing into a FLATLINER! The fans cheer as Yota rises and Callum checks his face. Yota brings Callum up, but Callum knees free! Callum’s back bothers him, and Yota hits a BACKBREAKER!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Yota rises, he fires up, and the fans are with him! Yota whips, Callum reverses, but Yota RANAS! The fans fire up while Callum scrambles to a corner. Yota runs up to STINGER SPLASH! Then he goes up, up, and MARLOWE- NO, Callum avoids the crush! Callum runs up, but Yota THROWS him back! Callum bails out, clutching a knee now. Yota builds speed as the fans fire up, and Yota DIVES! Down goes Callum at the ramp! The fans fire up as Yota rises, and he puts Callum in the ring. The fans rally, but then Callum bails out the side. The fans boo but Yota just goes around the way.

Yota storms up to Callum, ROCKS him, then whips. Callum reverses and Yota hits railing! But he comes back, only for Callum to BOOT! And APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans are torn but then Callum goes looking under the ring. Callum brings out a table! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but Callum shoves Red Shoes down! Callum sets up his table nearby, but Yota is on the ramp side. Callum heads that way, argues with Red Shoes, and he wants Red Shoes to watch Takagi. But Yota kicks Callum! Yota reels Callum in, lifts, but Callum fights free! Callum BODY BLOWS, then he runs up, but Yota BACKDROPS him on the ramp!

The fans fire up while Callum writhes, again clutching a leg. Yota rolls into the ring and lets the count climb. Callum hobbles at 7, drops to his knees at 9, and is still so far way at 13! Yota has Red Shoes stop at 15 as he goes to fetch Callum. Yota doesn’t want a count out win, he wants to finish this definitively. But then Callum ROUNDHOUSES Yota down! Callum seemingly suckers Yota in by playing possum, and then he shoves Yota into the crowd! The fans hurry away but Callum gathers the energy to FLY! Down goes Yota and some Young Lions, right into the railing and chairs! The fans are stunned at the wild risk Callum took!

Callum rises, fires up, but he has to steady himself before going back for Yota. Callum brings Yota back to the ring, puts him in, and hurries up a corner. The back slows him down but he still reaches the top, for a SUPER EXCALIBUR! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives, that was not quite the coup de grace Callum was hoping for. Callum shakes out his bad leg, still taking some risks with his own body. The fans rally for Yota but Callum KICKS Yota in the side! Callum drags Yota up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then stalks him to ropes. Callum drags Yota up, vows to end it here, and he fakes the run, only to swing into the BACKBREAKER and FLATLINER!

Callum avoids the stomp, blocks a lariat, then ROCKS, and- NO, Yota KNEES Callum! Callum runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, OSC- NO, Yota stops the cutter to shove Callum, but Callum stops the superkick to HEEL KICK! Yota wobbles, Callum springboards, OSC- GENE TRIGGER! And ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but the fans fire up again! Yota hurries to bring Callum up, but Callum fights the pump handle. Callum snatches Yota now, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!! Callum fails to slay Yota with Takagi’s move, and Takagi’s a little conflicted on that. The fans rally up again as both men slowly rise.

Callum mocks Takagi with “TOKI GA KITA!” then he drags Yota to the apron, where the table waits! Yota resists the lift, and he grabs ropes to fight off the suplex. Yota and Callum trade shots on the apron’s edge, and Yota ROCKS Callum! Callum ROCKS Yota, Yota ROCKS Callum, repeat! Callum wobbles again, stumbles, and Yota runs up! But Callum KNEES low first! Then he runs up, goes up, and EXCALIBURS Yota off the apron and onto the table!! Yota and table fall over but it’s hard to tell what broke! Callum rests in the ring while the ring count climbs, and Takagi coaches Yota. The fans rally, and Yota pushes the table aside.

Yota is still down at 10 of 20, but he fights to rise up. The count is 15 as the fans rally up even harder! 17! 18! Yota lunges in at 19! Callum is frustrated, but he does applaud some respect to Yota’s toughness. Callum drags Yota to center, sits him up, and runs to PENALTY KICK! World Cup level at this point, but Yota rise sup. Callum scuffs Yota, eggs him on, and Yota grins as he stands. Yota fires forearms, Callum eggs him on again, but Yota winces. So Callum BODY BLOWS! Yota drops back to the ropes, but he just fires himself back up! Callum runs in and DROPKICKS! Then he hooks the leg, FIREBOLT! Cover, TWO!!

Yota survives but Callum stays focused. Callum drags Yota up, reels him in, and hooks an arm, but Yota fights the lift. Callum KICKS Yota down for it! Callum drags Yota up again, reels him in, PRINCE- NO, Yota RAMS Callum into a corner! And RAMS him again and again! Callm powers through to KNEE Yota back! Callum goes up, but Yota avoids Excalibur! Callum runs back in, but into a CORNER BELLY2BELLY! Callum hits buckles hard, but the fans fire up for Yota! Yota goes to the other corner and takes aim. Callum clutches an arm and Red Shoes checks. Red Shoes has Yota hold on, but then Callum eggs Yota on.

Callum SPITS at Yota, and Yota grins. Red Shoes isn’t sure Callum should continue, but Callum runs in and UPPERCUTS Yota! So Yota GENE TRIGGERS! And GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives, but Yota gets back up! He reloads and GENE- NO, Callum stuffs it!! Callum wrenches, ROCKS, and reels Yota in, but Yota slips free! Callum ELBOWS Yota, springboards, OSC- GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum survives again, so Yota reloads, GENE SNAP BELLY2BELLY?!? Cover, YOTA WINS!!

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

That Gene Blaster 2.0 or whatever you wanna call it seals the deal, and the Prince has been dethroned! But more concerning is the state of Callum’s body. Will Callum still be in any condition for the G1 Climax?

As for Yota, Tanahashi presents him with the title, and Yota shakes the president’s hand. Then Takagi joins him in the ring while he gets the mic. Yota says, “I’ve got the IWGP title back!” The fans cheer that! Yota smiles as they chant his name, and he continues by saying, “I won this belt in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th. I thought the new era was mine. But then Callum Newman came along. I never expected a monster like you to step up. What a pain in the ass. Callum, you put up a good fight, but this isn’t over. I’ll always accept your challenge.” The fans cheer that, and Yota continues with, “NJPW is truly entering a new era.

“You’ve heard talk about a ‘new era’ time and time again. But from this day forward, I’ll stop talking about a new generation. I’m of the NOW generation!” The fans cheer that, too, and Yota says, “I’ve asked, ‘Are you ready?’ time and time again to motivate myself and push past fear. Asking that is starting to get tired. Am I ready to shoulder the responsibility and carry NJPW into the future? DAMN RIGHT I AM!” The fans cheer, and Yota says, “I don’t think I’m the only one who is so determined. You guys in the back are watching, right? No, I’m not calling anyone out. But I do believe all the boys in the back are ready to carry this company, as well.

“OI! NJPW wrestlers, Japan, are you ready? OI, world, are you ready?! NJPW, are you ready?” The fans cheer all that, and Yota says he, THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion, is ready! Yota holds up the title as the streamers fly, and he has his second chance at leading NJPW. Will nothing stop him from reminding the world that NJPW ichiban?

My Thoughts:

A great Dominion here, and I should’ve expected a very full show. I almost skipped ELP VS Jake Lee until I saw it was No DQ, and at that point, I had to do the rest of the non-title matches to see how things went. The No DQ itself was pretty good, and good win for Jake. Taichi getting the win on Oiwa for the tag match was good stuff, and possibly puts Taichi & Yuya in line for a tag title match. Despy VS Mistico was a lot of fun, and great win for Despy given all the titles Mistico has right now, and has even had all year. Great stuff to open, too, with Sanada’s many past personas represented by body doubles. Not sure why they did that when he wasn’t gonna win the TV title, though… Feels like a small mistake really.

Honestly, it is made even stranger when you consider all the other title changes tonight. Great field for the G1, and doing play-in matches helps fill out the schedule with the “Road to G1” starting this Friday. Putting spots on the line alongside the heavyweight tag titles was kinda wild, too. Great match there, and great win for Khan & Henare. Wasn’t really sure who to expect, but Khan & Henare winning the tag titles to then win their way into the G1 is pretty good stuff. At the same time, having the tag titles can give Khan & Henare something to fall back to whenever they and Ospreay lose the Six Man titles.

Great NEVER Openweight Championship match, and Wolf having help overcoming the House of Torture was nice. I guess this was Konosuke Takeshita officially joining Hontai within NJPW now that he’s not Don Callis Family. Maybe that’s their reasoning for Konosuke retaining a title. He can’t join up if he’s on a low note. Still not a good enough for me but whatever. That Triple Threat was great, and something about Andrade losing is both surprising and not surprising. He needed to drop that title off to someone so he could focus on AEW, and this was a good opening for Gabe Kidd to return.

Yoh VS Douki was great, especially with Yoh also overcoming all the shenanigans, also with a little help. Great moment for Yoh, but pretty wild that they threw so many challengers in at once. The Fatal 4 Way is going to be awesome, can’t wait to see who comes out the other side to challenge Yoh. And then a great main event, though hopefully Callum’s shoulder is alright. He was selling neck pretty hard, and then leg, but that shoulder might be legit with how he landed hard on both the ramp and then in the corner. But even then, I think Yota was likely to win here. Busting out that new twisting spear indicates as much, they wouldn’t try something like that if this was an audible in who wins. Yota now has the target on his back for the G1, his matches will all be must-see.

My Score: 9.1/10