Category: New Japan News

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin, and Toru Yano will put the NEVER Six-Man titles on the line in today’s NJPW Road to Destruction main event.

Tanahashi, Boltin, and Yano defend the trios belts against Bullet Club’s House of Torture represented by EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, and Dick Togo. It’s the first defense of the second reign for the Tanahashi/Boltin/Yano trio.

Today’s show is also unique for the 20-man Ranbo set for the show, as well as the return of MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba to an NJPW ring in the opening contest.

The 55-year-old Sakuraba is a Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Famer, and last appeared in an NJPW ring on a joint show with NOAH in 2022. Before that, the legend had not competed for NJPW since 2016.

Today’s undercard:

• Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young
• Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo
• 20-man Ranbo
• Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Masatora Yasuda & Daiki Nagai

Today’s show begins at 3 a.m. Eastern time.

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Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano defeated Masatora Yasuda & Daiki Nagai

Sakuraba tapped Yasuda out with a Sakuraba Lock for the win.

Yasuda and Nagai are still growing talents; seeing them working with a comedic approach already flexes their experience as they progress.

Shota Umino won the 20-man Ranbo after last eliminating Zack Sabre Jr.

Participants: Katsuya Murashima, Shoma Kato, Yuma24, Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask, Kosei Fujita, Jado, Ryusuke Taguchi, Francesco Akira, TAKA Michinoku, Tomoya, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Takashi Iizuka, Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, DOUKI, SANADA, Shota Umino, and Zack Sabre Jr.

Umino sent Sabre Jr. out of the ring with a dropkick.

Ranbo matches are entertaining, as evidenced by Iizuka’s wild presence, like when he attacked one of the Japanese commentators.

David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, & Gedo defeated Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, & YOSHI-HASHI

The War Dogs won after Kidd finished off Goto with a Piledriver.

In the match, Kidd used his rage at Ishii and his team for causing Jake Lee’s injury on September 11. I find that an interesting yet unwitting wrinkle to Kidd and Ishii’s fiery, blossoming feud.

Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman, HENARE, & Jakob Austin Young defeated Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, BUSHI, Shingo Takagi, & Hiromu Takahashi

HENARE won with a Full-Nelson lock to BUSHI.

I’m more sold than before on the Destruction main event between Khan and Naito, and I was already sold on it. As I await Zack Sabre Jr.’s upcoming match against the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, the story in this Road To tour leaves a question of who will survive Destruction. Bonus: I got more fallout from the Cobb/Tsuji and HENARE/Takahashi matches – a welcome retread.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, and Oleg Boltin (c) defeated EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, and Dick Togo for the NEVER Six-Man Championship

Enduring the typical House of Torture fare, Tanahashi stood against EVIL until he was overcome. Boltin came to his rescue, leveling the playing field for Yano to get some handy offense – he didn’t, as he protected the Yoshinoya turnbuckle from their onslaught. EVIL spent most of the time picking him apart before handing him to Takahashi.

Boltin, back in the ring, battered Takahashi and rattled him around like a ragdoll, taking advantage of his strength and weight. He attempted a Brainbuster, only for Takahashi to transition it into a DDT. Tanahashi returned with a Sling Blade to EVIL before Togo swung a turnbuckle to The Ace’s back.

Yano, back in the ring, suffered Whiskey in the Eye by an interfering Yoshinobu Kanemaru, followed by a Magic Killer, and a Pedigree via Togo. But through the combined efforts of the champs, Boltin weakened Togo for Tanahashi’s High Fly Flow and Yano’s Oni Koroshi. It was Yano’s devastating thud that guaranteed the 3-count to retain the belts.

Not mind-blowing by any means, but this has been the most I’ve enjoyed House of Torture since maybe its inception. Despite his veteran status, I’m still astounded at how Yano can summon the ability to make his comedy add to the drama of the matches. Tanahashi thrives in this environment at this point in his career and I’m thankful I can see The Ace in a good light in his matches once more. I’ve said enough at how much potential there is in Boltin’s physique and how he uses it. Keep these belts on these men.

DOUKI will make his first defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on today’s NJPW Road to Destruction event.

DOUKI defends the Junior title against former three-time champion Taiji Ishimori in today’s main event. Ishimori has won all four of the previous singles meetings between the two.

Today’s undercard:

• Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, HENARE, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young
• Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Jake Lee, Gabe Kidd & David Finlay
• Shota Umino, Ryusuke Taguchi, Oleg Boltin, Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL
• Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. SANADA & Taichi
• TAKA Michinoku vs. Francesco Akira
• Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma vs. Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato
• Kickoff match: Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai

The kickoff show begins at 5 a.m. Eastern time with Young Lions Masatora Yasuda and Daiki Nagai squaring off. The two have gone to seven draws in their singles matches together.

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Kickoff

Masatora Yasuda vs Daiki Nagai ended in a time-limit draw.

After a hotly contested battle, Yasuda held a vicious and dramatic Boston Crab until Nagai nearly passed out. The 10-minute time limit elapsed, however, ending the match in a draw.

— The NJPW locker room emptied to the arena for the late Kuniaki Kobayashi’s 10-Bell Memorial Ceremony

Main Show

Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato

Tiger Mask pinned Kato after a Tiger Suplex.

Francesco Akira defeated TAKA Michinoku

Akira matched the veteran in Michinoku with a Michinoku Driver II for the win.

Michinoku and Akira felt like two generations speaking to each other, like a passing of the baton. Akira has a lot of upside, never failing to impress me in the ring.

SANADA & Taichi defeated Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.

SANADA won via a Deadfall on Zack Sabre Jr.

It’s been a few years in New Japan Pro Wrestling without Suzuki-gun and Dangerous Tekkers, so this match felt bittersweet. As for the dejected SANADA after a fruitless G1 Climax, I’m curious to see where he goes after beating this year’s finalist.

Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL defeated Shota Umino, Ryusuke Taguchi, Oleg Boltin, Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi

EVIL and Togo dropped Taguchi with a Magic Killer for the win, despite a last-minute Tanahashi reaching out to help.

Boltin continues to shine. Taguchi locking in after a series of goofy antics never ceases to make me laugh, but he makes it work.

Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI defeated Jake Lee, Gabe Kidd & David Finlay

Goto hit Kidd with a seemingly normal Brainbuster, leading to an awkward-looking victory over the dazed Brit.

— Post-match – Ishii and Bishamon brawled with Finlay and Kidd. Lee was absent.

This was a pretty fine match until the pin. Goto looked confused at Kidd being too late to kick out, yet turned out to be fine. Lee wasn’t seen after hurting his knee.

Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji (as Mascara Kantan Su Tomato), Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI defeated Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, HENARE, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young

Following a Tornado DDT and Pluma Blanca combination, Naito tapped out the United Empire’s Young for the win.

Despite the drama of Naito and HENARE preparing to defend their IWGP World Heavyweight and NEVER Openweight titles respectively at Destruction in Kobe, I chuckled as Tsuji found the time to don a mask as Mascara Kantan Su Tomato. This was an action-packed 8-man tag that continued to elevate Young.

Main Event

DOUKI (c) defeated Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Initially evenly matched, Ishimori quickly got ahead of DOUKI following a moonsault off the second rope and slamming his arm into the ring post, trapped in a chair. Avoiding a 20-count at 15, DOUKI fared no better; Ishimori’s dirty tactics refused to let DOUKI on his feet for long.

DOUKI found the strength to unleash a snap hurricanrana, a tope, a DDT, and a suplex in succession to Ishimori, finally gaining him some control. Throughout the match, he spiked Ishimori on his head to loud effect. DOUKI countered Ishimori’s Bloody Cross into a gnarly DDT that nearly had the win. DOUKI retained his championship after transitioning a Bone Lock into a Suplex De La Luna.

— Post-match – Celebrations were cut short for DOUKI, as Yoshinobu Kanemaru attacked him, demanding a match. Just 5 Guys came to his rescue among the blue and silver confetti, helping him limp backstage.

Matches like these solidify my love for the Junior Heavyweight division in NJPW. DOUKI’s year has been strong, but I can’t state enough on how satisfying a tear that Ishimori has been on since returning to in-ring action at 2023’s Royal Quest. He’s been so motivated and I can’t wait for the 2025 that he has.

NJPW’s Road to Destruction tour continues today with a NEVER Openweight title bout headlining.

In the main event, NEVER Champion HENARE puts his title on the line against Hiromu Takahashi. Although the NEVER division is supposed to be without weight limits, this is a rare heavyweight vs. junior heavyweight title matchup.

Today’s undercard:

• Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Francesco Akira
• DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku vs. Taiji Ishimori & Gedo
• Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Oleg Boltin & Tiger Mask vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
• Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd
• Jado & Shota Umino vs. SHO & Ren Narita
• Katsuya Murashima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.
• Shoma Kato vs. Jakob Austin Young
• Kickoff: Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuji Nagata vs Fighter N & Fighter Y (characters from the Go! Go! Loser Ranger stage show)

The kickoff show begins at 5 a.m. Eastern time.

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Kickoff

Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuji Nagata defeated Fighter N & Fighter Y (characters from the Go! Go! Loser Ranger stage show)

Taguchi won the match via an ankle lock on Fighter Y, while Nagata held Fighter N in a headlock as Y tapped out.

Main Show

Jakob Austin Young defeated Shoma Kato

Following their trios match against each other on the previous night (September 8), Young and Kato traded blows, with Kato eventually gaining momentum. Escaping a Boston Crab, Young followed with elbows and knees until finally landing a Jakob’s Ladder to get the pin.

I was nearly, nearly convinced that Kato might escape with the win, but Young’s comeback put that to rest. Kato really sank in that Boston Crab.

Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Katsuya Murashima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Sabre Jr. and Tenzan started this match, but Fujita fought to impose his longer tenure against the Young Lion in Murashima. Tenzan’s power at first seemed to overwhelm Sabre Jr. later on, but the G1 Finalist’s ingenuity and maneuvering kept him above water.

Using his TMDK training, Fujita ensnared Murashima in an arm bar and added his other arm for increased effect the further the Young Lion inched toward a rope break. Murashima submitted with both arms trapped.

Murashima came off excellently here. It’s a credit to how far along Fujita’s come to sell the future importance of Murashima.

SHO & Ren Narita defeated Jado & Shota Umino

Before the match even started, SHO and Narita darted off to stop Umino and Jado ahead of the bell. Undeterred, Umino remained evenly matched with Narita. Sensing Jado to be the weaker link in the team, Narita and SHO targeted the former Bullet Club member, weakening his knee.

Narita and Umino continued their rugged affair, still unable to gain control over the other. Jado had much better luck in applying his experience in picking apart SHO until Narita distracted him with a wrench. SHO took advantage of this by swinging a board to the back of the veteran’s leg and pinning him for the win.

With the focus on Narita and Umino’s rivalry, I feel that despite my misgivings about House of Torture, this character trajectory for Narita makes for a compelling story in the greater scope of the Reiwa Three Musketeers.

Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd defeated Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

In a rematch from last night, Ishii and Lee started without hesitation, exchanging blows until Kidd overwhelmed the Stone Pitbull. Honma had no time for this, as he cornered and battered the verbal Kidd. Ishii made the save when Lee and Kidd held Honma in a precarious predicament on the ropes, leading to Honma nearly pinning Kidd after a falling headbutt. Overcoming Kidd and Lee, he rolled up the former for a pin, to no avail.

After another save by Ishii, the Stone Pitbull brawled with Lee on the outside. Kidd won the match with a running knee on Honma.

— Post-match – Ishii continued to brawl with Lee and Kidd but was choked unconscious.

I came for Ishii and Kidd locking up, and I got what I wanted. I admit that Lee and Honma work together well.

EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Oleg Boltin & Tiger Mask

Boltin remained strong in the early goings, but thanks to the pack mentality, he wass but mere prey to the House of Torture. Tanahashi evened the odds, laying out EVIL. Tagging in Tiger Mask and Yano, they and Boltin charged EVIL in a combined effort before House of Torture broke it up.

Tiger Mask for a time handled Kanemaru with ease before interference by Togo and Takahashi saw him on his back. Togo dropped a Senton onto Tiger Mask while Kanemaru trapped him in a Figure Four Leglock, making him tap.

These matches continue to leave Boltin being a standout while working with established veterans. The rest of this was a typical House of Torture match, heavy with interference.

DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku defeated Taiji Ishimori & Gedo

Ishimori and DOUKI were off to a hot start, with a DOUKI Chokey involved, but no headway. Gedo and Michinoku engaged in a series of pins, with repeated kickouts. Gedo submitted to a face lock by Michinoku while DOUKI maintained a DOUKI Chokey even after the bell rang when the match was over.

A blazing sprint that knew what it needed to be. Fun and concise.

Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Francesco Akira defeated Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Francesco Akira

Immediately, everyone splintered off. Tsuji and Cobb were left to resume the action from last night’s NJPW World TV Championship match, while Naito bullied Khan on the outside and mocked Khan with his signature pose. Newman and Akira delivered a speedy offense to wear down Takagi, leading to all-out mayhem in the ring.

Left alone, Khan and the legal BUSHI contested each other in the ring. With an Eliminator, Khan secured the victory for the United Empire, while staring at Naito, who watched from the outside.

This sets the stage perfectly for the physical threat Khan is to Naito’s reign. Newman and Akira’s speed I found to be exhilarating and I was satisfied to see Cobb and Tsuji run back their previous match, showing that it’s far from over between them.

MAIN EVENT

HENARE defeated Hiromu Takahashi for the NEVER Openweight Championship

HENARE may be a pure heavyweight, but Takahashi fought as though he were more than a junior heavyweight. He used a Falcon Arrow for a near-count but was unsuccessful. HENARE struggled with Takahashi’s velocity, nearly slamming him had it not been for a swift and sly transition into a DDT.

In a heated exchange, Takahashi traded his chops with HENARE’s kicks, both to the chest; HENARE dropped to his knees after a brutal chop before standing tall again. Seemingly submitting, Takahashi dropped to his knees, accepting another kick to the chest and another to the face for a pin which he kicked out of, and another which he kicked out of again. Eventually, he finds the strength to catch HENARE and give him a powerbomb.

HENARE countered with lariats and kicks but still struggled to keep Takahashi down. Even with a TOA Bottom, Takahashi couldn’t be pinned, despite a rigorous sleeper hold moments prior. Not even a Rampage could end the match for the champion. Takahashi wasn’t without his troubles, as his Time Bombs lacked the explosive impact needed to put HENARE away. At last, with a Streets of Rage, HENARE retained his title, soundly defeating Takahashi definitively.

— Post-match – HENARE put his hand on Takahashi’s chest as a sign of respect. As Tetsuya Naito and Shingo Takagi checked on their prone comrade, the latter was challenged by the champion. HENARE then professed the importance of the championship to him and his culture.

Chris Charlton put it best, “this is what the NEVER Openweight Championship should represent.” A thrilling ride from bell to bell, Takahashi’s unpredictability made for an interesting matchup for HENARE’s overwhelming vigor. This mixup made for an intense viewing, one that makes a fan’s heartbeat echo like an angry drum. If you want a standout on this Road To Destruction tour, this is one to make time for.

The Road to Destruction continues today with an NJPW World TV title bout headlining.

NJPW World TV Champion Jeff Cobb puts his title on the line in the main event against Yota Tsuji. Tsuji has won both of the prior singles meetings between the competitors.

The NJPW World TV title matches are contested under 15-minute time limits, making this one of the shorter NJPW main events in recent memory.

Today’s undercard:

• Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi vs. HENARE & Francesco Akira
• Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita
• DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku vs. Taiji Ishimori & Gedo
• Ryusuke Taguchi, Oleg Boltin Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. SHO, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL
• Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd
• Jado & Shota Umino vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Ren Narita
• Shoma Kato, Katsuya Murashima & Tiger Mask vs. Jakob Austin Young, Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan
• Kickoff: Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai

Today’s kickoff show begins at 5 a.m. Eastern time.

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Daiki Nagai defeated Masatora Yasuda

Yasuda largely stayed in control in the earlier half of the match; he targeted Nagai’s knee for a large portion, nearly trapping him in the middle of the ring.

Nagai powered out of this hold and let out a burst of offense before dragging Yasuda for a nicely tight Boston Crab for the win.

Yasuda came off as exuberant and charismatic, with future star energy. The underdog performance of Nagai made his end of the angle compelling.

Jakob Austin Young, Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan defeated Shoma Kato, Katsuya Murashima & Tiger Mask

Tiger Mask led his two Young Lion partners in an early beatdown of Khan, but he overcame them swiftly with Murashima getting most of his licks in. Newman and Young would do the same to Tiger Mask, but his expertise and experience countered them.

With brief assistance from Newman, Young tested himself against Kato, with the former getting a win by a Shiranui to get the 3-count.

— Post-match, Young and Tiger Mask got into a brawl.

With commentary putting over Young’s fresh entry into the United Empire, he performed excellently. His athleticism coupled with his cocky attitude instantly won me over. Murashima and Kato also show a lot of promise.

Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Ren Narita defeated Jado & Shota Umino

There wasn’t a moment for Umino to breathe, as Kanemaru and Narita bullied him the second the bell rang. Kanemaru then targeted Jado’s leg for an extended, extended period. Umino made the hot tag, leading to a hot clash against Narita.

Beginning to overcome Narita, Jado had him through the ropes, not knowing that he was already on his two feet. Kanemaru snuck in to spray whiskey in his eyes, which Narita followed up with a swing of a board to the leg. Locked into submission, Jado tapped to Narita.

Typical House of Torture fare, but once again, the future is brightly on display with the high points being Uminio and Narita.

Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd defeated Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

Catching the veterans by surprise, the War Dogs Kidd and Lee separated from each other to isolate and break their opponents. Eventually, Ishii decided he’d had quite enough of Kidd’s bullying, fighting back with forearms and punches. Sustaining the crowd’s energy, Honma overcame Lee once they were tagged in. Lee attempted Big Danger to put away Honma, but Ishii broke it up.

Putting Ishii away, Kidd gave just enough time for Lee to steal Ishii’s Vertical Drop Brainbuster for the win.

— Post-match – Kidd and Lee assaulted Ishii and celebrated in the ring. Ishii got up not too long after, understandably irate.

Ishii can’t catch a break. From his indestructible neck targeted by Chis Jericho and his Learning Tree on AEW to being sent through the rail, he’s had it rough. More of him vs Kidd, please.

SHO, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi, & EVIL defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, Oleg Boltin, Toru Yano, & Hiroshi Tanahashi

House of Torture started this match in typical fashion, dispatching Boltin and Tanahashi before humorously taking out Taguchi. Alone, Yano ducked and weaved only to find House of Torture beating up a Yoshinoya turnbuckle. Valiantly, he threw himself onto his inanimate object friend. Tanahashi and Boltin took it from there.

Boltin’s resilience and strength, while not enough to overcome the odds of House of Torture, found just enough to tag in Taguchi. The Funky Machine fared quite well against SHO, defiantly swinging the Yoshinoya turnbuckle and making life difficult for SHO before Takahashi violated him with a stick in his rear. SHO took advantage of this by rolling Taguchi up for the win.

The veterans on the babyface side shone brilliantly. with Tanahashi in particular reminding me of All-Might from the anime My Hero Academia. The more I see of Boltin, the more I become a fan of his.

Taiji Ishimori & Gedo defeated DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku

Ishimori and DOUKI started off the match but Michinoku and Gedo drove most of the first half of this match. Mostly using eye-poking techniques, Gedo nearly had the match won had it not been for DOUKI distracting the referee.

Ishimori targeted the shoulder of DOUKI, but it was Michinoku who gave the Bone Soldier a run for his money each time he was tagged back in. Despite his best efforts, Michinoku tapped out to Ishimori’s Bone Lock, leading to victory for Bullet Club.

Inconsequential, but fun tag match. At his age and career longevity, I’m impressed that Michonoku moves the way how he does.

Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita defeated Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI

This clash of Los Ingobernables de Japon and TMDK saw Naito and Sabre Jr. giving a hint of their upcoming match in October, but then it was left to Fujita to survive Naito and BUSHI. With Sabre Jr. back in the ring, the crowd was driven into a frenzy with every subsequent trick.

Keeping up his momentum, Sabre Jr. maintained his holds and submissions on BUSHI, with Fujita making the save on an intercepting Naito. BUSHI had no other option but to tap to Sabre Jr.’s bow and arrow hold.

Fujita’s come a long way since joining TMDK at Wrestle Kingdom 17. The sounds of his strikes on BUSHI and Naito echoed loudly through the arena. Sabre Jr. solidified my wish for him to be the IWGP World Champion. Beloved by the crowd, well-crafted in his style, and uniquely captivating on the microphone, there’s a lot to be gained from pushing him.

Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi defeated HENARE & Francesco Akira

A test of endurance begat this state of affairs, between the United Empire’s HENARE and Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Takahashi. Together, he and Takagi reduced HENARE’s defense. Akira took over from there, delivering an impactful basement dropkick on Takahashi.

Confidently standing his ground, Takagi initially endured the speed and precision of Akira, but not for long. Akira survived many devastating moves of Takagi, with edge-of-your-seat nearfalls, but ultimately Takagi got the win after an explosive Made in Japan.

The second half of the match felt more like a singles match between Takagi and Akira, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. The smaller, more nimble of the United Empire withstanding the awesome power of LIJ’s Dragon added levels of intensity across their varied styles.

Jeff Cobb (c) vs Yota Tsuji for the NJPW World TV Championship ended in a time-limit draw

The normally indomitable Jeff Cobb quickly found himself under the immense might of Tsuji, but mustered the will to persevere. Knowing that Tsuji may very well have his number, Cobb’s strategy and desperation to retain was palpable. Survive or win. He reminded Tsuji that he only needs to do one or the other to keep his title.

Cobb’s overbearing force gave little room for Tsuji to breathe, but the spirit within the challenger raged on. Withstanding each other’s offense, they traded finishers and transitions, heightening the drama to almost deafening levels. The champion retained with a Tour of the Islands onto Tsuji being too late with the 15-minute time limit expiring. Cobb’s efforts to get a win over Tsuji bore no fruit, but Tsuji failed to gain the title.

— Post-match – Cobb had no time to celebrate as Narita attacked him soon after, challenging for a match in the future.

I was on the edge of my seat with this match. Every move mattered and the 15-minute time limit added to the rush of adrenaline that came from this match’s intensity. This looked like it would be Tsuji’s moment, but instead, this sets the stage for so much more. The use of the time-limit draw was used effectively here, and I want more.