Tag: NJPW results

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night three results: Naito vs. Lee

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 34 continues with six tournament matches on night three, including Tetsuya Naito vs. Jake Lee in the main event.

Naito, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is still looking for his first win of the tournament after being shut out on the opening weekend at 0-2. Lee enters his highest-profile NJPW match to date with a 1-1 record in the tournament.

Five A Block matches, one B Block match, and three undercard tag bouts make up today’s card.

Today’s lineup:

  • A Block: Tetsuya Naito (0-2) vs. Jake Lee (1-1)
  • A Block: SANADA (1-1) vs. EVIL (2-0)
  • A Block: Shota Umino (1-1) vs. Gabe Kidd (1-1)
  • A Block: Shingo Takagi (1-1) vs. Great-O-Khan (0-2)
  • A Block: Callum Newman (1-1) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (2-0)
  • B Block: Jeff Cobb (1-0) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (1-0)
  • HENARE & Francesco Akira vs. David Finlay & Gedo
  • El Phantasmo & Jado vs. Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Hirooki Goto, Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato vs. Oleg Boltin, Toru Yano & Katsuya Morishima

**********

Tonight was by far the weakest night of the G1 so far.

The only match worth seeking out is Konosuke Takeshita vs. Jeff Cobb, but even it would be far from the best match on the prior two nights.

**********

Katsuya Murashima, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Hirooki Goto, Shoma Kato & Tomoaki Honma

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Yota Tsuji) defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Jado)

United Empire (Francesco Akira & HENARE) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs

**********

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Jeff Cobb

This match was a blast. At just over 10 minutes, it was action-packed and to the point. Great stuff.

This match opened with both men shoulder-checking each other before Cobb easily threw Takeshita across the ring. Cobb continued to show off by standing on Takeshita, resulting in him rolling to the apron.

A forearm sent Cobb to the floor, leaving Takeshita free to land a tope con hilo. He threw Cobb in the ring and climbed to the top rope in an attempt to follow up, only for Cobb to cut him off with a gut-wrench superplex. Cobb kept up the pressure with a standing moonsault for a quick two-count.

Cobb climbed to the top rope himself. This time, Takeshita landed an incredible superplex of his own. Cobb bounced back with a quick German attempt, but Takeshita landed on his feet. Takeshita then hit a knee strike and a poison-rana. Cobb responded with a lariat, leaving both men grounded.

Cobb tried for another suplex, but Takeshita blocked it and hit one of his own. Takeshita then tried for the knee, but Cobb reversed into the spin cycle and a uranage. As Cobb tried to follow up, Takeshita pulled him into the Blue Thunder Bomb for a convincing nearfall.

Cobb tried for Tour of the Islands, but Takeshita slipped free. Both men then traded knee strikes before a headbutt left Takeshita grounded. As Cobb tried to close, Takeshita cut him off with an elbow and Raging Fire, winning him the match.

Takeshita is still undefeated with 4 points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Callum Newman

This match was entertaining enough.

Early on, ZSJ targeted Newman’s arm while grounding him to establish control. Newman tried utilizing quick offense to work his way back into the match but struggled for quite some time.

Eventually, Newman was able to connect with a suplex to reset the match, but ZSJ immediately brought him back to the mat. Moments like this would continue to play out throughout this match’s runtime. Newman continued to try for openings, but ZSJ continued to stay one step ahead for most of the match.

In the end, Newman hit ZSJ with a powerbomb. ZSJ countered into an ankle submission, forcing Newman to submit.

ZSJ remains undefeated, leading A Block with 6 points.

Shingo Takagi defeated Great-O-Khan

This was another fine match. It’s nothing special, but it’s still solid.

O-Khan threw Shingo to the mat and began beating him down moments after the opening bell. He then tried working over Shingo on the mat in an attempt to wear him down. Shingo answered with a sliding lariat and a bunch of strikes, flipping the match on its head.

O-Khan challenged Shingo’s advance by utilizing more basic throws and holds. Shingo was able to fight through the eliminator and land the pumping bomber to keep O-Khan on the back foot. A follow-up superplex cemented this lead.

O-Khan attempted a rally at the 10-minute mark but was cut off by a mean DDT. Shingo followed up with the dragon suplex and the pumping bomber, but O-Khan kicked out at one. Both men popped up and ran at each other again, and Shingo landed another pumping bomber. This time, it was enough for him to win the match.

Shingo works his way to 4 points.

Gabe Kidd defeated Shota Umino

This was another match that was fine enough but was far from great. Kidd has had much better performances, and Umino’s “hateful” routine was far from believable.

The feeling-out process featured a tense struggle for control. Umino won out first, but Kidd fired back with a bite and suplex to reset the match in his favor.

While Kidd was in control, he bullied Umino with mean kicks and the occasional expletive. After dropping Umino with a barrage of headbutts, Kidd locked Umino in the Boston crab, continuing to ridicule his opponent.

Umino eventually fought back, hitting a knee strike and tornado DDT to begin a rally. Umino’s rally was short-lived, however. Kidd was quick to land a strike, knocking Umino to the mat and leading to a back-and-forth exchange.

Umino survived a big lariat from Kidd and answered with a dragon suplex. The follow-up forearm scored Umino a two count, but both men were downed. Once both men worked their way to their feet, more striking followed.

Kidd utilized a bite to open Umino up for a piledriver, scoring a nearfall. Kidd transitioned into a lion tamer. Once Umino refused to submit, Kidd picked him up, hit him with a powerbomb, and pinned him to win the match.

Kidd now sits at 4 points.

EVIL defeated SANADA

This was far better than you would expect. I wouldn’t call it great, but for a 2024 EVIL match, it was pretty close.

Before the match could begin, EVIL tried to get SANADA to join House of Torture. SANADA put on the HoT shirt, pretending as if he had joined the faction. EVIL then commanded SANADA to lie down for the count, which he also pretended to do.

Once SANADA reversed the pin and EVIL realized he wasn’t joining HoT, the match began. EVIL tried to flee the ring, but SANADA caught him, brought him back, and tied him in the paradise lock.

Dick Togo tripped SANADA to help EVIL back into the match. EVIL then pulled SANADA to the floor, where he drove him into the barricade. Back in the ring, SANADA tried fighting back, only to be whipped into an exposed turnbuckle.

A roll through into Skull End seemingly reset the match in SANADA’s favor. This lasted until an Irish whip sent SANADA crashing into the referee, leaving Togo free to rush the ring.

Togo and EVIL tried using a chair to attack SANADA, but it backfired when SANADA delivered a dropkick, sending the chair into EVIL’s face. SANADA then hit the shining wizard. With the end in sight, SANADA tried for his finish, but EVIL responded with a low; SANADA answered with a low blow of his own.

EVIL was the first to recover from the double low blow, delivering Darkness Falls to establish control. When EVIL tried to close, SANADA responded with the magic screw. The follow-up rounding body press scored SANADA a two count.

SANADA cleared Togo from the ring before he tried to close the match again. This allowed EVIL to block the next shining wizard attempt with the referee. Another low blow from EVIL, followed by his finish, allowed him to secure the pin and the win.

EVIL stays on top at A block with 6 points.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Jake Lee

This was an awkward match. It was clunky and slow. This Naito is hard to watch.

After the opening bell, these guys went to the floor. On the outside, Naito teased Lee, getting in his head early. This allowed Naito to take control in the ring.

Lee answered Naito’s early lead by picking him up by the neck and dropping him. Lee then taunted the crowd before dragging Naito back to the floor, where he drove Naito into the barricade, a chair, and the entrance stage. Back in the ring, Lee maintained his lead with basic holds and strikes, wearing down the champion.

Naito answered Lee with back elbows, opening the door for some basic offense of his own. This was short-lived, as Lee cut off Esperanza with a chokeslam from the top rope. The follow-up knee scored Lee a nearfall.

A quick enziguri from Naito was followed by a failed Destino attempt. Naito returned to the top rope, where Lee reversed momentum again. Naito avoided FBS and landed another enziguri, but a kick from Lee kept Lee confident. As Lee tried for another choke slam, Naito reversed into Destino and pinned Lee to steal a win.

The IWGP champion is on the board with 2 points.

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night two results: Tsuji vs. Finlay

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Nine tournament matches are set for night two of NJPW’s G1 Climax 34.

In the main event, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Yota Tsuji will face Bullet Club’s David Finlay in a B Block matchup.

Tsuji and Finlay have squared off once before in singles competition in their careers, with Finlay scoring the victory.

18 of 20 competitors will be in action on tonight’s card, with B Block’s Konosuke Takeshita and Jeff Cobb the only tournament wrestlers not taking part in today’s show. As with yesterday, every bout in today’s lineup is a tournament match.

The full card for Sunday’s show:

  • B Block: Yota Tsuji vs. David Finlay
  • A Block: Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • A Block: Shota Umino vs. Shingo Takagi
  • B Block: Hirooki Goto vs. Yuya Uemura
  • A Block: Jake Lee vs. EVIL
  • B Block: El Phantasmo vs. Ren Narita
  • A Block: Great-O-Khan vs. Gabe Kidd
  • B Block: Oleg Boltin vs. HENARE
  • A Block: SANADA vs. Callum Newman

**********

Recommended Matches
HENARE vs. Oleg Boltin – This was a rad hoss match. I really can’t get enough of Oleg.

Yuya Uemura vs. Hirooki Goto – This is probably the match with best executed narrative of the tournament so far. It also seems as if Uemura is also finding his footing again, so that’s exciting.

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tetsuya Naito – This is one of the better Naito matches as of late. It’s exactly the kind of match he needs to be working. It’s filled with slick sequences and felt like it could end any moment.

Yota Tsuji vs. David Finlay – If you enjoy main event New Japan, this is for you. It built to a crescendo filled with reversals and potential finishes.

SANADA defeated Callum Newman

SANADA worked a somewhat meaner match here tonight than usual, building on his shocking sub-five-minute loss from last night. The match itself was a fine little thing. I would say it outperformed my expectations.

Newman and SANADA opened the match with a basic feeling-out process until a dropkick sent SANADA to the floor. Newman attempted a dive in follow-up but missed, allowing SANADA to answer with a magic screw. He then dropped Newman on the barricade before bringing the match back to the ring.

In the ring, Newman connected with a stomp to the back that opened SANADA up to a bit of offense. It only lasted a moment, though, as SANADA cut him off with a magic screw, bringing the match back into the hands of the former World’s champion.

SANADA hit a shining wizard but missed the rounding body press, leaving Newman free to answer with a sudden knee strike. Newman followed up with a quick dropkick in the corner, but the double stomp follow-up whiffed. SANADA tried to reply with a shining wizard, but that missed, too. After Newman overshot another kick, SANDA managed to lock in skull end, but Newman reversed into a cutter. Newman attempted to close with the OsCutter, but SANADA cut him off, landed Deadfall, and pinned him.

SANADA secures his first win of the tournament, putting him at 2 points.

HENARE defeats Oleg Boltin

This match was great. It was super simple, to the point, and fantastically executed.

A powerful collar-and-elbow opened this match. Once that proved insufficient, they moved to trading strikes. Once that wasn’t enough, they moved to tackles. Oleg’s tackle was enough to knock HENARE to the floor, securing the first lead of the match.

HENARE answered Oleg’s lead with high leg kicks. Once Oleg fell to his knees, HENARE took off his head with a kick to the jaw. HENARE then placed Oleg in the corner and unloaded with more strikes. Oleg answered with a powerful slam, which forced HENARE into the corner.

Oleg threw HENARE across the ring before attempting his finish, but HENARE slipped free. HENARE then landed a kick from the rope, knocking Oleg to the mat. HENARE followed up with a disgusting knee strike that rattled Oleg’s jaw.

With the finish in sight, HENARE waited in the corner, but somehow, Oleg cut him off with a dropkick. Oleg responded with a kamikaze, scoring a convincing nearfall. To my knowledge, this was the first time someone has kicked out of that move.

Having survived Oleg’s finish, HENARE slipped free of the second attempt, leading to a struggle for control. HENARE tried for a submission but couldn’t get it; instead, a back-and-forth strike battle followed. HENARE won out with a strong kick and a flying headbutt. He then landed Streets of Rage and pinned Oleg to win the match.

HENARE now leads B Block with 4 points.

Gabe Kidd defeated Great-O-Khan

I almost enjoyed this match, but it had too many issues in the end to look past. O-Khan’s performance was above average, and Kidd was decent. The structure of the match really hurt it, though. There was just far too much going on.

Kidd dared O-Khan to wrestle as the match opened but caught him with a few strikes as soon as there was an opening. O-Khan answered Kidd’s cuteness with a throw, a suplex, and a lariat that knocked Kidd to the floor. O-Khan then drove Kidd into the barricade, daring Kidd to a brawl instead of a match classic, to which Kidd accepted.

Kidd and O-Khan brawled from one side of the crowd to the other. By the time they emerged, Kidd had control. He then led O-Khan back to the ring, where he drove O-Khan into the post before calling out Hiromu Takahashi.

As soon as the match returned to the ring, O-Khan dumped Kidd to the floor. O-Khan landed a plancha, securing a lead before throwing Kidd into a barricade and a sea of chairs. O-Khan then tied up Kidd with chairs before dragging him back to the ring.

Back in the ring, a suplex attempt led to both men falling over the top rope and crashing over the top rope back to the floor. As the count began to climb, the men started trading strikes, meandering away from the ring. Once the count hit 19, they sprinted together to beat the referee.

Back inside, they traded strikes and German suplexes before O-Khan hit a GFO to establish a lead. He then tried for the eliminator but failed, leading to a scramble for control. In the end, Kidd won out with a massive lariat that won him the match.

Kidd is on the board with 2 points.

Ren Narita defeated El Phantasmo

ELP has lost all his friends, and he is sad. That is the story of his G1.

A quick boot from Narita opened this match, catching the depressed ELP off guard. He managed to rebound with a dropkick to reset the match in his favor.

After knocking Narita to the mat and landing a plancha, ELP started trying for more and more dives. Eventually, ELP missed, opening the door back up for Narita. Narita whipped ELP into the barricade and hit him with a chair after distracting the referee.

Back in the ring, Narita began to brutalize ELP’s leg. As ELP fought back through the attack, he continued to use acrobatic offense while attempting to sell the damage done to his limb (until he fired up and began jumping on it).

After stomping on Narita in the corner, ELP grabbed Narita’s pushup bar. Narita dared him to use it. After thinking about it, he decided not to. Narita tried to follow up with the Double Cross, but ELP reversed. Narita still maintained control, though with a quick guillotine.

Narita climbed to the top rope, where ELP cut him off with a rana. ELP followed up with a Thunderkiss 86 for a nearfall. Before he could follow up, the referee was shoved to the ground. Narita then hit Double Cross and won the match.

Ren Narita has slipped his first 2 points.

EVIL defeated Jake Lee

Ah, this is what I’ve come to expect from Jake Lee and EVIL. This match was slow, tedious, and filled with cheap cheating. This was horrible.

Before the action could begin, EVIL offered Lee a “Too Sweet” in traditional Bullet Club fashion. It looked like Lee would accept, but instead, he poked EVIL and Dick Togo in the eyes, Three Stooges style. He then threw EVIL to the floor and threatened to stomp Togo below the belt before letting him go.

Once the match officially began, Lee choked EVIL against the rope, leading to him fleeing almost imidatly. When Lee followed him, EVIL whipped him into the barricade and choked him with cables. Back in the ring, EVIL maintained his lead by distracting the referee and utilizing Togo.

After minutes on the back foot, Lee fought back with a Boston crab. This led to a fake bell ring, a ref bump, and Togo hitting the ring. Lee managed to fight through the interference as the referee recovered, leading to a chokeslam for a nearfall. During the scuffle, EVIL managed to rake Lee’s eyes, leading to him missing the Face Break Shot. Once he missed his finish, Togo threw powder in his eyes, EVIL landed Everything is Evil and pinned Lee to win the match.

EVIL is now the A Block leader with 4 points.

Yuya Uemura defeated Hirooki Goto

This was a rock-solid generational gap match. Goto tried his best to learn Uemura, but failed.

Goto wrestled Uemura to the ground as the match began, but Uemura held his own in the opening scramble. Goto then tried to ground Uemura with a shoulder tackle, but Uemura fired back with a dropkick. Uemura then placed Goto in the corner, where he unloaded with strikes that forced the referee to become involved. This unsportsmanlike behavior upset Goto, leading to a fiery response filled with harsh strikes.

Goto continued his act of discipline by locking in a Bostin crab in the middle of the ring. Once Uemura escaped, he landed an arm drag and a dropkick to reset the match. Uemura flew too close to the sun again when he climbed to the top rope; Goto avoided his dive and responded with a quick Ushigoroshi to regain his footing once more.

After a strike exchange, Goto hit a GTW for a nearfall. When Goto tried following up with a knee strike, Uemura caught him and answered with a headbutt. He tried for the deadbolt suplex, but Goto reversed, leading to a quick back and forth with both men slipping in and out of each other’s finish. In the end, it was Uemura who was able to hit the deadbolt suplex, which won him the match.

Uemura keeps the pace with 4 points.

Shota Umino defeated Shingo Takagi

I didn’t love this. The mid-match pacing felt sluggish, and it picked up at the end. This was the second-longest match of the tournament so far, and I felt every second.

This match was all Shingo until the final stretch. The narrative was that Umino refused to quit, but Shingo outclassed him in every way.

Umino rushed Shingo as the match began, hitting him with a dropkick and a flurry of forearms in the corner in an attempt to gain an early advantage. Shingo fired back with forearms of his own to fight out of the corner. From here, the pair fought to the apron, where Shingo dropped Umino on his back before whipping him into the barricade.

Back in the ring, Shingo utilized basic holds to wear down Umino. Umino answered with a sudden DDT to the apron. When Umino attempted to follow up, Shingo suplexed him into the corner, retaking control. He then used slightly more impactful offense to stay ahead until Umino landed an exploder suplex from the top rope.

As soon it looked like Shota had a chance, Shingo landed a lariat to retake the lead. This time, he landed a superplex, a sliding lariat, and a senton, all in quick succession. A quick DDT from Umino allowed him another moment to breathe, but again, Shingo responded by driving him into the corner moments later. The pumping bomber that followed was the icing on the cake.

Knowing that the end was in sight, Shingo landed another pumping bomber. He then hit Made in Japan, but Umino kicked out. When he tried for Last of the Dragon but, Umino wiggled free. Umino then managed to hit another DDT to buy even more time.

Shingo managed to hit another partial pumping bomber, but Umino fired back with a half-dragon suplex. Umino then landed Blaze Blade for a nearfall of his own. When Umino tried for Death Rider, Shingo blocked, leading to a quick back and forth. Shingo then ran at Umino; Umino caught him and landed the Death Rider, leaving him with the win.

Umino has earned his first 2 points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Tetsuya Naito

This was a match that managed to cover Naito’s growing weaknesses exceptionally well. The sequences were slick and smart, and it felt like it could end at any moment. Great stuff.

ZSJ offered Naito a LIJ salute to open the match; Naito responded by spitting in ZSJ’s face. ZSJ then clobbered Naito with some elbows before Naito tried for a quick pin. This led to a sequence of rapid pin attempts from both men, any of which could’ve believably ended the match.

An exchange on the mat that initially favored Naito eventually left ZSJ in control. ZSJ then leveled Naito with uppercuts before returning to some methodical grappling. When Naito tried to challenge ZSJ’s control, ZSJ tied him up in the rope and dragged him to the floor to continue his assault.

A quick hangman’s neckbreaker to the floor put Naito in control for the first time in this match. Naito then turned to the neck, as you would expect. But just as Naito found his groove, he paused, allowing ZSJ to catch him and bring him to the mat.

ZSJ worked over Naito until he was able to land PK. ZSJ tried to follow up with the Zack Driver, but Naito reversed into Destino. This took so much out of both men that it effectively reset the match.

From a standing position, both men began trading strikes. This lasted until Naito dropped ZSJ with elbows to the neck. Two quick pin attempts followed. Once that didn’t work, another short strike exchange happened. Then ZSJ trapped Naito in a pin and won the match.

After the match, ZSJ posed Naito’s belt before he walked to the back.

ZSJ is still undefeated, having defeated the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and earning his 4th point in A Block.

Yota Tsuji defeated David Finlay

Tonight’s main event opened Tsuji, landing a rana that sent Finlay to the floor and a follow-up rana. Tsuji then whipped Finlay into the barricade to establish a strong lead, which he maintained by locking in a Boston crab.

Finlay spat in Tsuji’s face to buy some separation, which he used to drive Tsuji to the top of the ring post. He then tossed Tsuji across the ring before landing some knee strikes to Tsuji’s midsection. A stomp from Tsuji in the corner seemingly stopped Finlay’s offense, but he quickly responded by shoving Tsuji to the ground. On the outside, Finlay shoved Tsuji into the barricades and threw him into the ring post. Back in the ring, Finlay landed a Dominator for a two-count.

When Finlay tried for Oblivion, Tsuji reversed into a suplex. He then delivered a second stomp. When two stomps proved insufficient, Tsuji tried a third. A brutal knee and a power drive from Tsuji seemingly furthered this lead by setting up the Gene Blast.

When Tsuji attempted tried for his Gene Blast spear, Finlay rolled through and hit Oblivion; Tsuji kicked out. Finlay followed up with three powerbombs, setting up Overkill. When he tried for the Overkill, Tsuji rolled him up, nearly stealing a win. Finlay answered with a lariat.

After five forearms from Finlay, Tsuji threw a headbutt that rocked Finlay. This opened the door for a sudden Gene Blast, but Finlay rolled onto his stomach. Tsuji didn’t waste time, though; he followed his spear with his rope-assisted stomp Malo Crash and pinned Finlay, winning the match.

Tsuji ends the night by getting points on the board. He sits at 2 points.

A Block Standings

EVIL – 4 Points
Zack Sabre Jr. – 4 Points
SANADA – 2 Points
Callum Newman – 2 Points
Gabe Kidd – 2 Points
Jake Lee – 2 Points
Shota Umino – 2 Points
Shingo Takagi – 2 Points
Great-O-Khan – 0 Points
Tetsuya Naito – 0 Points

B Block Standings

HENARE – 4 Points
Yuya Uemura – 4 Points
Oleg Boltin – 2 Points
Ren Narita – 2 Points
Yota Tsuji – 2 Points
Jeff Cobb – 2 Points
Konosuke Takeshita – 2 Points
David Finlay – 0 Points
Hirooki Goto – 0 Points
El Phantasmo – 0 Points

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night one live results: Naito vs. Shingo

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 34 tournament kicks off today with 10 tournament matches in Osaka.

Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemates Tetsuya Naito and Shingo Takagi will square off in the main event in an A Block battle.

The meeting is just the second career singles bout between Naito, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and Shingo, a former IWGP World title holder. Naito won their first and only meeting in the G1 back in 2019.

Every match in Saturday’s lineup is a G1 tournament bout.

Saturday’s full card:

  • A Block: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi
  • B Block: Yota Tsuji vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • A Block: Gabe Kidd vs. EVIL
  • B Block: Yuya Uemura vs. David Finlay
  • A Block: SANADA vs. Jake Lee
  • B Block: Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb
  • A Block: Great-O-Khan vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • B Block: El Phantasmo vs. HENARE
  • A Block: Shota Umino vs. Callum Newman
  • B Block: Oleg Boltin vs. Ren Narita

***********

Oleg Boltin defeated Ren Narita

This match was a blast. The shenanigans from Narita made Oleg look super sympathetic. The structure worked very well. Good stuff.

Oleg came to the ring wearing new gear, showing off Kazak colors. It’s no longer a question; Oleg is no young lion.

The match began with Narita jumping Oleg. Oleg tried his best to fight off Narita but was cut off with a chair attack. From there, Narita started to work the arm, targeting it with objects and general offense.

Oleg eventually fired back with a dropkick. This slowed Narita’s somewhat, but an armbar put Oleg back on the defensive. Oleg powered through the armbar and landed a verdict. He followed up with the kamikaze to win the match.

Oleg is on the board with two points.

Callum Newman defeated Shota Umino

This was a fairly breezy call-and-response match.

This match opened with a striking battle. From there, both men ran at each other before Umino dropped Newman with a kick. Newman fired back with a Boston crab. Once Umino slipped free, he landed another dropkick before locking in a dropkick to slow down this fast start.

After Umino landed another dropkick, Newman responded with a quick kick. From here, both men traded quick strikes until Umino managed to land a cutter. Newman answered with a couple of quick pin attempts before landing a Spanish fly for a nearfall.

A dropkick to the back of Umino left him prone to a stomp to the back. Newman followed up with an OsCutter and pinned Umino to win the match.

In a bit of a surprise, Newman earns his first two points in the opening round.

HENARE defeated El Phantasmo

HENARE forced ELP into the corner after the opening bell. ELP fired back by sending HENARE to the floor, where he landed a tope. Back in the ring, the pair traded strikes, allowing HENARE to establish control for the first time.

HENARE attempted to land a lariat, but ELP reversed into one of his own. When ELP tried to follow up, he was cut off with a knee and a bezerker. The pair then traded strikes again, leading to an intense back and forth.

A sudden Sudden Death from ELP scored him a nearfall. He followed up with a burning hammer and a splash for another.

HENARE fired back a drop and a tackle for a nearfall of his own and a reset in his favor. He then landed Streets of Rage and pinned ELP, winning the match.

HENARE starts off strong with two points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Great-O-Khan

This was one of the best O-Khan performances in ages. The opening of this match was off the wall, and the rest of it held up quite well. Another solid watch.

A quick scramble opened the match before O-Khan dumped ZSJ to the floor. On the outside, O-Khan challenged ZSJ, which led to some exciting grappling. O-Khan escaped ZSJ’s hold by slamming him into the barricade, leading to a brawl in the crowd as the referee’s count climbed. O-Khan dropped ZSJ with a body shot, nearly forcing the cutout.

Back in the ring, ZSJ managed to reverse momentum with some of his signature offense. O-Khan fired back with a bit of wrestling of his own, utilizing throws to ground ZSJ. A hook to the throat of ZSJ floored him, and the follow-up German only cemented O-Khan’s lead.

ZSJ tried catching O-Khan in a hold, only for O-Khan to reverse into a powerbomb. O-Khan managed to lock in his claw to set up the eliminator. When he attempted the move, ZSJ reversed into the DDT. He then landed the Zack Driver, winning the match in mere moments.

ZSJ’s G1 begins with a win and two points.

Jeff Cobb defeated Hirooki Goto

This was a good big-man sprint.

Both men traded strikes to open the match. A short clothesline from Cobb left him ahead of Goto, which he used to land more substantive offense. Goto fired back by clubbing Cobb with more strikes, eventually dropping Cobb with a clothesline of his own.

Goto landed an ushigoroshi for a two-count. Cobb then blocked the GTR attempt but failed to follow up, leading to a scramble for control filled with quick pins and failed moves. From the chaos, Cobb managed to land Tour of the Islands, winning him the match.

Cobb earns his two points.

Jake Lee defeated SANADA

As an outspoken SANADA skeptic and Jake Lee naysayer, I can’t say I hated this. In fact, I’d say I really liked it. It was bold and left me wanting more.

This match opened up with basic wrestling that Lee ended with a choke slam. SANADA fired back with a magic screw and a rounding body press, effectively taking control of the match.

Lee cut off SANADA’s Shining Wizard attempt and barely escaped the follow-up pin attempt. Lee then hit Face Break Shot, his kick in the corner, and pinned SANADA.

In under five minutes, Jake Lee pinned SANADA to earn two points.

Yuya Uemura defeated David Finlay

Compared to everything else on the card so far, this match felt the most like a classic New Japan match.

Uemura opened the match by taking Finlay to the mat. When he tried standing up, Finlay fired back, throwing Uemura to the floor and slamming him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Finlay maintained his lead, picking apart Uemura with focused offense.

Uemura eventually landed a dropkick to reset the match. He then hit a bulldog before dragging Finlay to the top rope only for Finlay to reverse into a superplex. Finlay then hit a backbreaker running at Uemura, opening the door for a reversal.

Uemura landed a dive to the floor once Finlay attempted to retreat. A chop from the top rope and a follow-up backdrop scored Uemura a two-count. Uemura kept up the pressure with a crossbody and a range before attempting another pin.

Finlay landed a sudden powerbomb for a nearfall. He followed up with a Dominator, which resulted in a convincing nearfall. Uemura responded with a pair of suplex, each scoring a nearfall of his own.

With the end in sight, both men began trading blows. Finlay then hoisted Uemura up and hit him with two turnbuckle powerbombs. When Finlay attempted a third, Uemura reversed into a hurricanrana pin, from which Finlay couldn’t escape.

In another slight surprise, Uemurea wins his first-round match, earning two points.

EVIL defeated Gabe Kidd

This was one of the best EVIL matches in years. It was probably the best match he’d had since joining BULLET CLUB. Fantastic. Even the interference felt intentional and earned. Color me impressed.

Before the match could even begin, Kidd landed a tope con hilo to the floor, taking out Togo and EVIL. He then focused on EVIL, landing andother dive before throwing him into the barricade and grabbing chairs.

EVIL managed to take advantage of Kidd’s chairs, slamming one into Kidd’s face before taking his head off with the other. He then entered the ring, marking the official start of the match.

In the ring, EVIL whipped Kidd into an exposed corner, but Kidd fired back with a head butt and an intense flurry. EVIL answered with a fisherman suplex, keeping Kid on the backfoot.

EVIL landed a massive lariat, only for Kidd to kick out at one. He followed up with a backdrop for a two-count. EVIL tried for a referee assist, but Kidd resisted, landing another lariat for another two-count. A frustrated Kidd threw the referee to the floor, opening the door for HoT interference.

With Kidd in the lead, Togo hit the ring and began to choke him with a wire. EVIL then landed a magic killer with aid from Togo. Once the referee re-entered the ring, EVIL hit Everything is Evil and won the match.

EVIL is on the board with two points.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Yota Tsuji

No doubt the world will be raving about this one. It was exactly what you expect from these two: an action-packed sprint.

The match opened with some basic grappling and strikes before Takeshita landed a tope to the floor to establish a lead for the first time. He then slammed Tsuji into the barricade before returning to the ring, where he kept up the pressure with more intense offense.

Tsuji cut off Takesthia’s lead with a rana, which led to a dive of his own. Back in the ring, Tsuji returned the favor, hitting Takeshita with a variety of high-impact offenses.

Once Takesthia had a moment to respond, he caught Tsuji with a brainbuster. The follow-up knee and suplex scored Takeshita, which scored him a convincing nearfall.

The pair eventually worked their way to the top rope. On the top, Takeshita fell to the mat twice. Tsuji then hit Takesthia with a Spanish Fly from the top for a nearfall. Tsuji tried to follow up with the Gene Blast, but Takeshita reversed it into another suplex and a poison-rana. Tsuji answered with a pump kick and a sit-out powerbomb for a match reset.

A striking battle at the fifteen-minute mark ended with a sudden roll-up attempt from Tsuji. Once Takesthia kicked out, he landed a headbutt and a stomp for another nearfall. Tsuji tried to get Gene to blast again but was cut off by a Takesthia knee. Takesthia then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb and Raging Fire before pinning Tsuji to win the match.

Takeshita starts his G1 career off strong with two points.

Shingo Takagi defeated Tetsuya Naito

The opening feeling out process began before the opening bell sounded as Shingo rejected Naito’s LIJ salute. Once the match actually began, the two treaded lightly until Shingo sent Naito to the floor where he whipped him into the barricades, establishing a strong control over the IWGP champion. Back in the ring, Shingo maintained his lead with basic holds and deliberate strikes.

Naito dropped Shingo over his knee for a quick switch in momentum. From here, Naito began to focus on the neck, utilizing all of his typical moves.

After a substantial amount of time on the back foot, Shingo landed a DDT, which he followed with a sliding lariat and a powerbomb. This left Shingo ahead for a moment, but Naito fired back with more neck-based attacks as soon as there was an opening.

Shingo landed a massive STAY DREAM from the top rope after cutting off an overly ambitious Naito. Naito managed to survive, leading to a back-and-forth strike exchange. Shingo won out by dropping Naito with a Pumping Bomber. He followed this with Made and Japan, but Naito managed to kick out.

Shingo hoisted Naito onto his shoulders, only for Naito to slip into a Destino variation. Naito then placed Shingo on the top rope and tried for the Frankensteiner. After hitting it, Naito landed a follow-up tornado DDT before trying another Destino. An awkward back-and-forth followed as both men tried to close the match, ending with a Kawada Driver from Shingo. Naito kicked out. Shingo then hit Last of the Dragon to win the match.

Shingo not only earned two points with this win, but he also pinned the leader of his own faction and the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

New Japan Soul live results: IWGP Junior title steel cage match

Posted on by Chick Fritts

SHO defends the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title against BOSJ winner El Desperado in a steel cage in the main event of New Japan Soul night one.

The steel cage stipulation was suggested by Desperado as a way to neutralize SHO’s House of Torture comrades, and is the first singles match held in a cage in an NJPW ring in over 20 years.

In the semi-main, IWGP Global Champion David Finlay puts his title on the line against SANADA.

Shingo Takagi defends the NEVER Openweight Championship against HENARE in another title bout.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney defend their titles against Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita.

NEVER Openweight Six-Man champs Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI put their titles on the line against former title holders Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg.

The rest of the undercard:

  • Tetsuya Naito & Titan vs. Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku
  • Shota Umino, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo
  • Taichi & DOUKI vs. Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Katsuya Murashima, Shoma Kato, Tomoaki Honma, Tomohiro Ishii & Satoshi Kojima vs. Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP
  • Pre-show Young Lion debut match, 10-minute time limit: Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai

**********

United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP) defeated Katsuya Murashima, Satoshi Kojima, Shoma Kato, Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

This was an average opening tag. The young lions looked fine at points, but there wasn’t anything to sink your teeth into.

In the end, Akira was able to score the pinfall for UE.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI & Taichi) defeated House Of Torture (Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

This match kicked off with HoT isolating DOUKI by utilizing their typical offense. Once Taichi tagged in, he reversed the momentum until an illegal strike opened the door for another stent of HoT control.

A DOUKI-Chokie prompted Narita to hit the ring with his pushup bar. After a short scuffle, Kanemaru attempted to mist DOUKI with his whiskey. DOUKI cut him off and rolled him up to eke out a win for J5G.

Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo & EVIL)

HoT jumped Bishamon as the match began, establishing a short lead over YH. With help from Goto, YH was able to hold off HoT, reversing the early advantage. This lasted until HoT took the match to the floor, where they used environmental offense to secure substantial control.

An eventual hot tag allowed Goto to gain some footing over EVIL. This was fairly short-lived as HoT retook their lead once YH tagged back in. This forced Goto back into the ring.

With Goto by his side, YH was able to clear the ring of EVIL. Bishamon were then free to drop Togo with Shoto to win the match.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito & Titan) defeated Just 5 Guys (TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)

Titan and Uemura began the match with some basic back-and-forth wrestling. Once TAKA and Naito tagged in, LIJ was able to secure control.

Uemura stepped in to challenge Natio, finding enough success to force a tag out to Titan. TAKA tagged in to continue the advance, scoring a nearfall after a knee strike.

A tope from Titan completely reversed the match’s momentum. After wiping out J5G, Titan hit TAKA with a double stomp and pinned him to win the match.

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Title Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji) (c)

This was a blast. Tsuji and Oleg looked awesome throughout, and everyone else played their part very well. Good stuff.

Yano started the match by removing the turnbuckle pad before tagging out to Oleg. With help from Tanahashi, Oleg established control over Hiromu, and they passed it back to Yano.

LIJ rushed the ring to take Yano’s lead. This led to a double tag into Tanahashi and Tsuji. Tsuji leveled Tanahashi with heavy maneuvers. Tanahashi was forced to escape to Oleg.

Even after being thrown around the ring, Tsuji held on. He landed a dropkick on Oleg, prompting the rest of LIJ to hit the ring. The challenging team followed, leading to a full-fledged match breakdown.

Oleg emerged from the chaos in control. Once the ring was cleared, he dropped BUSHI and pinned him clean in the middle.

Oleg, Tanahashi, and Yano are once again NEVER Six-man tag team champions.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) (c) defeated TMDK (Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles)

This match was fantastic. It was emotional, intense, and well-paced. A great, great match.

The War Dogs established an early lead by taking the fight to the floor. After throwing both of the challengers into the floor seats, the War Dogs took the match back to the ring.

After working over Fujita for minutes, the War Dogs were interrupted by Eagles. He managed to turn the match around with high-impact holds. To answer, the War Dogs hit the ring together, resulting in a short breakdown.

Fujita landed a dive to the floor, clearing the ring of Connors. TMDK then focused on Moloney, landing significant offense ahead of another breakdown.

TMDK managed to lock in double submissions on the champions. Once the War Dogs escaped, they retreated to the floor. Eagles tried to follow up with a dive only for Moloney to catch him with one of the nastiest Drilla Killas I have ever seen.

Back in the ring, the champions hit Fujita with a pair of spears. Fujita managed to kick out before hitting a pair of suplexes to reverse the match’s momentum once more.

Once Fujita had momentum on his side, the War Dogs used their numbers to turn the match back around. Moloney hit him with a Drilla Killa, setting up the Full Clip. This led to the pin, leaving the War Dogs with another successful defense.

G1 Climax Lineup

A Block

Tetsuya Naito, Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, SANADA, Great-O-Khan, Zack Sabre Jr., Gabe Kidd, EVIL, Jake Lee (NOAH)

B Block

Hirooki Goto, El Phantasmo, Yota Tsuji, Jeff Cobb, HENARE, David Finlay, Ren Narita, Yuya Uemura, Konoshuke Takeshita (AEW/DDT)

A Block Qualifier Tournament

Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI, Callum Newman, KENTA, Yujiro Takahashi

B Block Qualifier Tournament

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Oleg Boltin, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, TJP

NEVER Openweight Title Match: HENARE defeated Shingo Takagi (c)

This match kicked off with a striking battle that slowly escalated. Shingo gained advantage in the opening exchange, which he used to connect with even more strikes. HENARE answered Shingo with a Samoan drop. He followed up with more strikes and powerbomb for a nearfall.

A DDT from Shingo put him back in the driver’s seat. Shingo followed up with a superplex and series of lariats, but HENARE refused to fall. Eventually, Shingo ran at HENARE, but HENARE stuffed him, resulting in a double knockdown, resetting the match.

Once both men returned to their feet, they began trading strikes again. Shingo won out by hitting a sudden Last of the Dragon. HENARE fired back with a giant strike, keeping both men grounded.

After beating a double count, Shingo dropped HENARE with a pair of pumping bombers; both times, HENARE kicked out. After kicking out, HENARE hit Streets of Rage for a nearfall of his own.

A headbutt and rugby kick from HENARE resulted in another HENARE nearfall. Shingo attempted to cut off HENARE’s advance, but HENARE caught Shingo’s arms and landed a leaping headbutt. HENARE then pinned Shingo to win the NEVER Openweight championship.

For the first time in his career, HENARE holds gold in New Japan.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Title Match: David Finlay (c) defeated SANADA

SANADA landed a dropkick early, knocking Finlay to the floor. On the outside, Finlay slammed SANADA into the ring apron, establishing the first lead of the match. From here, Finlay worked over SANADA with relative ease, maintaining control for minutes.

SANADA eventually dumped Finlay back to the floor. This opened the door for three planchas from SANADA. Back in the ring, SANADA tried to follow up, but Finlay cut him off with a bomb.

Finlay took the match back to the floor, where he drove SANADA into the barricades surrounding the ring. He tried for a driver but SANADA reversed into a back body drop. SANADA followed up with some high-impact work on the floor before returning to the mat.

In between the ropes, Finlay was able to utilize strikes to the back of SANADA’s head to retake control. SANADA managed to reverse a pin attempt into Skull End. When SANADA tried for the rounding body press, Finlay blocked the move with his knees, resetting the match.

Gedo tried hitting the ring, but SANADA cut him off. Finlay attempted to capitalize on the distraction, but SANADA didn’t let him. Instead, SANADA hit a shining wizard, cementing his lead.

When SANADA attempted another shining wizard, Finlay reversed. He landed oblivion to follow up. When he tried for his finish, SANADA reversed, landing another shining wizard himself. SANADA tried to find an additional shining wizard, but Finlay caught him. Finlay followed up with Overkill, resulting in the end of the match.

Finlay is still the Global Champion.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Steel Cage Match: SHO (c) vs. El Desperado

For a main event steel cage title match, this was a lifeless outing that did virtually nothing for me. It was totally monotonous before the ref bumps. This was not good.

This cage match kicked off with some chain wrestling. Eventually, they worked their way to the floor, where Desperado dropped SHO on the mat. SHO answered by slamming Desperado into the cage, establishing a solid lead.

In the ring, SHO began to pick apart Desperado. He used basic holds, all while tearing away at Desperado’s mask, exposing his bloodied face.

Desperado eventually fired back by driving SHO into the cage himself before landing a big dive to the floor. A crossbody and a bomb scored Desperado a nearfall.

SHO retook control by slamming Desperado with his mask. A slam into the exposed corner and a spear scored SHO a nearfall.

After an extended period of SHO control, Desperado hit Pinche Loco. When he tried for a second, SHO shoved him into the exposed corner, bumping the referee. This led to HoT hitting the ring side area where they threw chairs inside the ring.

Desperado was the first to utilize the chair. Desperado hit multiple chair strikes before throwing chairs at the HoT members, trying to climb the cage.

SHO tried fighting back with a Shock Arrow, but Desperado reversed into a driver. He followed up with two pinche locos, winning the match and the Junior championship.

El Desperado is your new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

NJPW Dominion live results: Double main event

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The Best of the Super Juniors finals and a lumberjack death match headline NJPW Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall in a double main event.

El Desperado faces Taiji Ishimori with the Best of the Super Juniors 31 crown on the line in one-half of the double main event bill.

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley defends his title against EVIL in a lumberjack death match in the other half of the main event.

NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi defends against HENARE in another title bout set for the show.

Both the IWGP Tag Team and NJPW Strong Tag Team titles are on the line in an elimination tornado four-way featuring Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, KENTA & Chase Owens, and Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI.

NJPW World TV Champion Jeff Cobb defends against Tomohiro Ishii.

NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Team Champions Hiroshi Tanahashi, Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano defend against Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI.

KOPW 2024 Champion Yuya Uemura defends against Great-O-Khan in a storm catch rules bout.

Zack Sabre Jr., Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles face Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney & LJ Cleary in a trios bout.

The show opens with Tetsuya Naito vs. Callum Newman in a special singles match.

**********

Tetsuya Naito defeated Callum Newman

This was really the match you would expect it to be. Newman tried to keep up with Naito, but the veteran put him down for trying. Simple as.

Newman kicked off Dominion by attacking Naito ahead of the opening bell. This led to a short stint of offense on the floor.

Naito turned the match around by driving Newman into the apron, kicking off a prolonged period of Naito control. After surviving a Frankensteiner, Newman hit a Spanish fly, launching into a short rally. Naito brought it to an end with a Destino variation, but Newman kicked out.

Newman fired up, landing a handful of strikes. Naito responded by brutalizing the neck with strikes of his own before hitting Destino. Naito then pinned Newman to win the match.

TMDK (Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) & LJ Cleary

Fujita and Connors opened the match with a short sequence. When Fujita gained the upper hand, Moloney hit the ring, leading to a short breakdown. With the numbers advantage, TMDK emerged with control.

Once Cleary involved himself, the War Dogs were able to gain some footing. Eagles and Moloney had a competitive back-and-forth before tagging into Fujita and Connors. Fujita retook control for TMDK, forcing Cleary to tag back in.

A stray slap from Cleary enraged ZSJ. ZSJ beat down Cleary, forcing the War Dogs to make the save. The match breakdown that followed was chaotic, leaving Cleary alone to fend for himself.

Cleary tried for multiple quick pins, but ZSJ kicked out time after time. When Cleary attempted a springboard kick, ZSJ reversed into an ankle lock. ZSJ then turned the ankle lock into a suplex before finishing Cleary with the Zack Driver.

NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Title Storm Catch Rules Match: Great-O-Khan defeated Yuya Uemura (c)

This “Storm Catch Rules Match” featured a two-rope break/ring-escape limit and a 15-minute time limit.

Uemura launched into an attack on the arm as soon as the opening bell sounded. This forced O-Khan to use his first rope break.

Once O-Khan gained separation, he bit Uemura before locking in a head-and-arm choke. This forced Uemura to use his first rope break, evening the odds.

After the second break, Uemura gained an advantage once more. He continued attacking the arm while utilizing basic slams. O-Khan fired back by biting Uemura again, creating a bit of separation. Uemura responded by bitting O-Khan himself.

Uemura threw O-Khan to the floor, stealing O-Khan’s second allotted escape. This allowed Uemura to lock in an armbar in the middle of the ring that O-Khan had to bridge out of. O-Khan fired back, hitting an eliminator to win the match and the belt.

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Title: Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano (c)

The match kicked off with Yano removing a turnbuckle pad before being beaten down by all three of his opponents. Once Oleg tagged in, he returned the favor, taking out all of the challengers with ease.

Tsuji and Oleg had a powerful back-and-forth, trading strikes and slams in an attempt to establish a strong lead. Oleg eventually hit a massive dropkick before tagging out to Tanahashi.

Yano tried to prevent Tsuji from hitting the Geneblast. This led to LIJ hitting the ring, occupying the champions long enough for Tsuji to put Tanahashi back on the defense. He then landed the Geneblast on Tanahashi and pinned him to win the match and the NEVER Six Man belts for LIJ.

For the first time in his career, Tsuji is a champion in NJPW.

NJPW World Television Title: Jeff Cobb (c) defeated Tomohiro Ishii

This match kicked off with both men running at each other. Cobb was the first to score a knockdown, but Ishii responded with a tackle of his own that floored Cobb.

Cobb landed an elbow in the corner, leaving Ishii staring at the ceiling. Ishii fired back with a suplex. Cobb kept Ishii from taking advantage, hitting a German and Superplex in quick succession to retake the lead.

Ishii powered through, landing two suplexes in response. Cobb landed another suplex of his own, followed by a lariat for a nearfall. A standing moonsault from Cobb scored him another nearfall.

Ishii dropped Cobb with a forearm to retake control. When Ishii tried to follow up, Cobb answered with a dropkick and F5000 for another nearfall. Cobb then tried for Tour of the Islands, but Ishii slipped free, hitting a rana and a lariat for a convincing false finish.

With the end in sight, Ishii tried for the brainbuster. Cobb slipped free and transitioned into Tour of the Islands. Cobb hit the finisher and pinned Ishii to retain his NJPW World TV Championship.

G1 Climax 34 Format

This year’s G1 will have two blocks, with a total of 20 participants. A tournament will be held to determine the 10th man in each block.

The top three from both A and B blocks will advance to a final bracket, with the points leader advancing straight to the semi-finals.

IWGP Tag Team Title / NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination Tornado Match: TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste) defeated BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens & KENTA) (c), Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) (c), & Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI)

The opening minutes of this match featured everyone trying to gain an upper hand. The chaotic opening came to a close once TMDK hit Hikuleo with Tank Buster and pinned him to score the first elimination of the match.

Once GOD was eliminated, Bullet Club took control of the match. They systematically picked apart TMDK and Bishamon with relative ease.

Eventually, Bishamon fired back. Their tandem offense was enough to put Bullet Club on the back foot. Once they had the lead, Bishamon were able to hit Shoto, eliminating Bullet Club.

Once we were down to the final two teams, the intensity increased tenfold. TMDK hit YH with the Power Bottom and Tank Buster, but Goto kicked out of both. In order to close, TMDK hit YH with a super Tank Buster.

For the first time in their careers, TMDK are IWGP champions.

NEVER Openweight Title Match: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. HENARE (Draw)

This match kicked off with an intense, striking battle. Once forearms and kicks proved to be insufficient, the pair turned to headbutts. Once headbutts proved inadequate, they returned to forearms and kicks.

After minutes of back-and-forth striking, Shingo landed a pumping bomber to reset the match. Shingo then worked to maintain his lead with a combination of strikes before attempting Last of the Dragon. Henare avoided the finish, reversing into Streets of Rage.

During Henare’s follow-up, Shingo cut him off with a Last of the Dragon, resetting the match. Shingo and Henare traded more heavy strikes, ending with a leaping headbutt from Henare. This knocked both men to the mat. Neither was able to answer the referee’s count, resulting in a draw.

IWGP World Heavyweight Title Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley (c) defeated EVIL

This match kicked off with a short brawl on the floor. By the time the action was in the ring, Moxley had a significant lead. Moxley took his time beating down EVIL with next to no challenge until EVIL knocked Moxley to the floor.

Once Moxley was alone on the outside, H.o.T. attacked him, giving EVIL a strong advantage. Back in the ring, EVIL utilized his normal tactics, such as choking Moxley with a shirt, to maintain his lead.

A striking battle let Moxley regain some footing against the challenger. After working EVIL into the corner, Moxley hit him with a piledriver for a two-count. EVIL rolled to the floor to recover, only for Moxley to take him and all of HoT out with a tope.

As soon as it seemed like Moxley got rid of H.o.T., Dick Togo threw a handful of powder into the face of Moxley. EVIL then took Moxley’s head off with a chair before landing a superplex. EVIL then turned to the choke, but Moxley reversed into one of his own.

A mix-up with the referee ended with Moxley eating Darkness Falls. Moxley managed to hold on, securing the Nagata lock. H.o.T. hit the ring to break up the hold, leading to an all-out brawl between the lumberjacks.

EVIL dropped with Moxley with a low blow. This left H.o.T. free to hit Moxley with a triple powerbomb through a table. EVIL then hit Death Rider for a false finish.

After Moxley kicked out of his own finish, he hit EVIL with Everything is Evil. Moxley then grabbed a barbed wire-wrapped bat, which he used to take out all of H.o.T. Once the ring was cleared, Moxley hit EVIL with a cutter, a curb stomp, and a Death Rider on the bat to win the match and retain his belt.

IWGP World Heavyweight Title Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley (c) defeated EVIL

This match kicked off with a short brawl on the floor. By the time the action was in the ring, Moxley had a significant lead. Moxley took his time beating down EVIL with next to no challenge until EVIL knocked Moxley to the floor.

Once Moxley was alone on the outside, H.o.T. attacked him, giving EVIL a strong advantage. Back in the ring, EVIL utilized his normal tactics, such as choking Moxley with a shirt, to maintain his lead.

A striking battle let Moxley regain some footing against the challenger. After working EVIL into the corner, Moxley hit him with a piledriver for a two-count. EVIL rolled to the floor to recover, only for Moxley to take him and all of HoT out with a tope.

As soon as it seemed like Moxley got rid of H.o.T., Dick Togo threw a handful of powder into the face of Moxley. EVIL then took Moxley’s head off with a chair before landing a superplex. EVIL then turned to the choke, but Moxley reversed into one of his own.

A mix-up with the referee ended with Moxley eating Darkness Falls. Moxley managed to hold on, securing the Nagata lock. H.o.T. hit the ring to break up the hold, leading to an all-out brawl between the lumberjacks.

EVIL dropped with Moxley with a low blow. This left H.o.T. free to hit Moxley with a triple powerbomb through a table. EVIL then hit Death Rider for a false finish.

After Moxley kicked out of his own finish, he hit EVIL with Everything is Evil. Moxley then grabbed a barbed wire-wrapped bat, which he used to take out all of H.o.T. Once the ring was cleared, Moxley hit EVIL with a cutter, a curb stomp, and a Death Rider on the bat to win the match and retain his belt.

After the match, Moxley cut a promo, opening the door for his next challenger. Naito walked out from the back to challenge Moxley for Forbidden Door.

Best Of The Super Junior 31 Final: El Desperado defeated Taiji Ishimori

The opening feeling out process ended with a moonsault from Ishimori to the floor. Back in the ring, Ishimori whipped Desperado into an exposed corner to cement his lead. He then turned his attention to Desperado’s arm, working it over on the mat.

A back suplex and follow-up tope from Desperado left him in a seemingly-strong position, but it didn’t take long for Ishimori to fire back. After landing a sliding German suplex and a facebuster, Ishimori drove Desperado into the exposed corner and his knee.

Desperado caught Ishimori with a spinebuster. This left Desperado free to focus on Ishimori’s leg before locking in the stretch muffler.

Once Ishimori escaped, he floored Desperado with a destroyer for a match reset. After a short scramble, Ishimori bumped the referee, delivered a low blow, and nearly stole the win with a Gedo clutch. Desperado fired back with a strike, knocking Ishimori to the mat. A back-and-forth forearm exchange followed.

Desperado landed a spear and Pinche Loco for a nearfall. After Ishimori kicked out, he landed a reverse Bloody Sunday for a nearfall of his own. Ishimori tried to follow up with a Bloody Cross, but Desperado pushed him into the exposed corner.

With the end in sight, Desperado landed a snug tiger driver. He then transitioned into Pinche Loco. After hitting Pinche Loco, Desperado pinned Ishimori, winning the match and Best of Super Junior 31.

After the match, SHO came to face the winner. After a bit of back-and-forth, Desperado challenged SHO to make their title bout a steel cage match.

NJPW Windy City Riot live results: Moxley vs. Naito IWGP title match

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Jon Moxley challenges Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship tonight in Chicago. 

Naito will put his title on the line in the main event of Windy City Riot at Wintrust Arena. 

Nic Nemeth faces Tomohiro Ishii in the semi-main event. 

NJPW World TV Champion Matt Riddle will defend his title against the Inaugural TV champ Zack Sabre Jr.

An eight-man tornado tag no DQ match features a team captained by Eddie Kingston against a team captained by Gabe Kidd. The other team members will not be revealed until bell time. 

Mustafa Ali makes his NJPW debut facing Hiromu Takahashi. 

“Scapegoat” Jack Perry takes on Shota Umino. 

El Phantasmo & Hikuleo will defend their NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team titles in a four-way against Filthy Tom Lawlor & Fred Rosser, Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste, and Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs. 

Stephanie Vaquer defends the Strong Women’s Championship against AZM. 

Minoru Suzuki vs. Ren Narita rounds out the main card.

Matt Vandgriff defeated Zane Jay

This was a 50/50 match built around athletic sequences. Vandagriff won the match with a Styles Clash.

Alex Windsor & Trish Adora defeated Mina Shirakawa & Viva Van

This was a fairly standard Mina-led match while she was in ring. The match was a little more serious when Mina wasn’t legal, but it wasn’t much better. In the end, Windsor pinned Van to win the match.

Ren Narita defeated Minoru Suzuki

Suzuki kicked off the math by rushing Narita, slamming him into barricades, choking him with a cable, and kicking him against the apron. Back in the ring, Suzuki continued the beat down before locking in a sleeper. Once the hold was broken, Suzuki argued with the referee, giving Narita time to land a kick.

Narita went to the floor and grabbed a chair. Suzuki took control of the chair, but the referee fought him for it. This allowed Narita to hit Suzuki with his pushup bar and the Double Cross to win the match.

NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) defeated AZM

This match was great. Everything Vaquer does in the ring looks mean and intentional. She’s amongst the best in the world.

AZM launched into a quick sequence early, but Vaquer responded with a well-timed reversal, kicking off a deliberate stint of control. From here, Vaquer connected with teeth-clinching offense, from headbutts to a nasty dragonscrew.

A kick on the apron allowed AZM to regain some footing. She landed a dropkick before beginning to work the arm. AZM tried for a double stomp but missed, allowing Vaquer to land a backdrop for a match reset.

After a short back and forth, Vaquer locked in a hold, forcing AZM into the ropes. Vaquer then climbed to the top, where AZM reversed momentum with a superplex. This left AZM free to land the double stomp from the top for a convincing nearfall.

It didn’t take long for momentum to swing back into Vaquer’s favor. AZM tried to rally again, but Vaquer cut her off with a back breaker to win the match.

After the match, Alex Windsor met Vaquer in the ring to challenge her for the Strong title. Vaquer accepted, setting the match for Resurgence,

NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship: TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste) defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) (c), Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor, and The West Coast Wrecking Crew (Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs)

This match began with all four teams trading spots in the ring. The West Coast Wrecking Crew were the first team to gain a lead in the ring, but Lawlor tagged in to stunt their momentum. This only led to the Wrecking Crew to tagging back in with particular attention paid to Rosser.

Hikuleo turned the match around for GoD. After a double chokeslam to Rosser and Lawlor, the Wrecking Crew hit the ring to challenge Hikuleo. They hit ELP with their finish, only for Lawlor to break up the pin. This led to a full-fledged scramble occupying everyone’s attention. In the chaos, Nichols was able to hit the ring and secure a quick pin to win the match.

For the first time, TMDK hold tag belts in New Japan.

After the match, The West Coast Wrecking Crew attacked Rosser and Lawlor. After dropping Lawlor with a piledriver, they held him down and cut his hair. They then fed Lawlor’s hair clippings to Rosser.

This post-match beatdown was by far the most compelling part of this match.

Shota Umino defeated Jack Perry

Before the match could begin, chants of “CM Punk” echoed through the arena. Guards armed with body armor, shields, and batons surrounded the ring ahead of Perry’s entrance. Perry received a mixed reaction during his entrance, even with a Chicago flag draped around his body.

I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. Perry felt like a star tonight. Say what you will about this situation, but Perry is making the absolute most of it.

The match started with Perry soaking up the crowd’s reaction, both in and out of the ring. Once the actual action began, Umino established a lead in the ring, but Perry answered with a rake to the eyes. The crowd launched into dueling chants of “You got choked out” and “No, he didn’t,” prompting Perry to use a choke of his own.

Umino fired back with a DDT on the apron to end Perry’s early lead. A by-the-book offensive sequence followed.

Perry reversed Umino’s momentum with a hangman’s DDT to the floor and a tiger driver for a nearfall. He then utilized basic strikes to maintain his lead against a loopy Umino.

After Perry spit in Umino’s face, a strike battle ensued. Umino won out with a dropkick. Umino launched into another rally, but he failed to land deathrider.

Perry landed a poison rana and an unprettier for a nearfall. He then landed a glass-jaw knee strike for another. After Umino kicked out, Perry hit a Punk-style knee in the corner. Perry followed up by attempting the GTS, but Umino reversed into a DDT.

With Perry grounded, Umino hit an elbow strike. This allowed Umino to close with Death Ridder.

After the match, Perry offered Umino a handshake, which Umino accepted.

Mustafa Ali defeated Hiromu Takahashi

The match opened with quick pin attempts, leaving both men on equal footing. Hiromu then went into the corner, clutching his stomach, before tagging out to his stuffed cat, Darrel. Ali engaged with the cat, prompting Hirmou to hit the ring again. This distraction was enough for Hiromu to take control.

On the floor, a chase ensued. Ali took advantage, landing a DDT to the floor to take the lead. Back in the ring, Ali found a significant offensive success. Instead of taking full advantage, Ali taunted Darrel, allowing Hiromu to reverse momentum.

Hirmou landed a dropkick that sent Ali crashing into the barricade. This led to a rally in the ring, which lasted for quite a while. Hiromu placed Ali on the top rope, where a strike sent him flying, but Ali landed on his feet.

Ali responded with a dive, but Hiromu held on, sending Ali crashing into the corner in the ring. Hiromu then hoisted Ali back to the top, but Ali reversed again, landing a sunset flip and a 450 splash to win the match.

After the match, a bloody Ali shook hands with Darrel.

Gabe Kidd, KENTA, Clark Conners, & David Finlay (BULLET CLUB/Team Kidd) defeated Eddie Kingston, TJP, Jeff Cobb, & Homicide (Team Kingston)

The fight kicked off with a brawl in the aisleway. It didn’t take long for weapons to become involved, from a barbed wire-wrapped chair to a ring bell.

The first pairing to find the ring was Connors and Kingston, but this lasted only moments. Finlay and TJP hit the ring next for a short sequence before United Empire set up a table.

The match worked its way back to the floor, where everyone traded strikes with more furniture. TJP used the deck of a skateboard on the back of KENTA while the rest of the wrestlers continued to brawl on the floor.

A highlight of the fighting on the floor was Kidd and Homicide. They eventually worked their way to the ring where Kidd beat down everyone with a ladder. Cobb cut Kidd off with a suplex, but Connors answered with a spear. TJP cut off Connors with a face full of mist before driving barbed wire into his forehead.

Homicide drove a fork into the head of Connors before KENTA made the save. KENTA hit TJP with a G2S but Cobb prevented him from making the pin. Finlay hit the ring next, where he drove Cobb into a barbed wire chair. Kingston cleared Finlay from the ring with a kendo stick, leaving the ring cleared for the highlight confrontation of the match.

Kidd met Kingston in the middle of the ring for a strike exchange. Kingston won out before suplexing Kidd through a table. Kingston then grabbed a hadfull of barbed wire, but Bullet Club made the save.

Bullet Club wrapped a chain around Kingston, setting up for something diabolical. Homicide tried to make the save, but Finlay cut him off with a shillelagh strike. Kidd then hit Homicide with a piledriver to win the match.

After the match, Kingston initiated another brawl. Both teams continued to fight for quite a while.

Once the teams were separated, Kingston challenged Kidd to a no-ropes, last-man-standing match for Resurgence.

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Matt Riddle (c)

This match was awesome. It was filled with great sequences that made the fifteen minutes fly by.

This match opened with a fierce scramble on the mat. Riddle was outclassed on the mat, forcing him to use his strength to overwhelm ZSJ.

Try as he might, ZSJ repeatedly caught Riddle. ZSJ tortured Riddle, attacking all of his limbs and his exposed toes. This played out multiple times, with ZSJ gaining a little more each time.

Riddle eventually landed a suplex to put ZSJ on the back foot. A powerbomb and knee strike scored Riddle a nearfall. ZSJ was sure to answer with a choke, initiating another mat war.

Riddle tried for a powerbomb, but ZSJ reversed into a Zack Bomber for a nearfall. ZSJ tried to follow up with a penalty kick, but Riddle reversed into a half-crab. Once ZSJ escaped, Riddle hit Floating Bro for a near fall.

With three minutes left on the clock, both men began throwing strikes. Riddle tried for a tombstone, but ZSJ reversed into a Euro-clutch that nearly won him the match. Riddle tried for another knee strike but missed. ZSJ responded by quickly pinning Riddle to win the match.

ZSJ is once again NJPW World TV champion.

As soon as the match was over, Riddle rolled out of the ring and walked to the back with a smile on his face. This almost seemed like the end of his time in New Japan.

After ZSJ addressed the crowd as champion, Jeff Cobb walked to the ring to challenge him for the belt.

Nic Nemeth defeated Tomohiro Ishii

Some basic grappling opened this match. Soon after, both guys turned to striking. Eventually, Ishii leveled Nemeth with a forearm to establish control. Ishii landed a superplex to cement his lead.

Ishii tried for a sleeper, but Nemeth reversed into an Olympic slam. A DDT scored Nemeth a nearfall.

Nemeth tried for a strike, but Ishii caught him and reversed into a powerbomb. Ishii didn’t really follow up. Instead, Nemeth hit a famouser to reset the match.

Ishii landed a huge lariat for another nearfall. A superkick from Nemeth scored him one. Ishii landed Danger Zone on Nemeth, which he followed with a lariat; Nemeth kicked out at one. Nemeth dropped Ishii with a superkick; Ishii kicked out at one.

Late in the match, the pair began trading bombs. After dropping Nemeth with a headbutt, Ishii tried for a pin, but Nemeth kicked out again. Another back-and-forth followed. Nemeth hit the Danger Zone and pinned Ishii to win the match.

IWGP World Heavyweight: Jon Moxley defeated Tetsuya Naito (c)

This was another fantastic match on this card. Even more importantly, this feels like New Japan taking a significant risk for the first time in a long time.

Naito started the match with one of his standard openings, trying to get into Moxley’s head. Moxley responded by taking the fight to the floor, where he drove Naito into the barricades. Back in the ring, Moxley hit a piledriver for a two-count.

Moxley continued to make advances against Naito until Naito created separation with a neckbreaker. This marked the beginning of Naito working the neck, setting up his finish.

It took a DDT to the apron for Moxley to retake the lead. Moxley tried to follow up with a dive, but Naito cut him off with a chair shot. Once Moxley emerged, he was pouring blood.

Moxley landed a lariat to reset the match. A back-and-forth strike exchange followed. Naito won out before locking in a deep sleeper hold.

Naito escaped the choke and attempted Destino. Moxley reversed and landed a Death Rider for a nearfall. Before Moxley could follow up, Naito hit Destino for a nearfall of his own.

Naito tried for another Destino, but Moxley escaped. After a short back and forth, Moxley hit another Death Rider for another nearfall. Moxley hit a lariat and Death Rider to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

After the Match, Moxley cut an emotional promo. He thanked Chicago before calling out Shota Umino, his former protégé.

Before he could finish, Ren Narita attacked Moxley with a pushup bar. Umino hit the ring to make the save.

This was easily the best New Japan show of the year. A fantastic crowd, a handful of great matches, and booking decisions that will be felt for a long time. Fantastic.

NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Naito vs. Tsuji IWGP World title match

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Tetsuya Naito defends the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against 2024 New Japan Cup winner Yota Tsuji in today’s Sakura Genesis main event at Sumo Hall in Ryogoku. 

Both Naito & Tsuji are members of the Los Ingobernables de Japon faction. Naito has held the title since defeating SANADA in the Wrestle Kingdom main event in January.

EVIL defends the NEVER Openweight Championship against LIJ’s Shingo Takagi in the semi-main. 

Jon Moxley is in action on the show, teaming with Shota Umino against Jack Perry & Ren Narita. 

Former tag team partners collide as SHO defends the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against YOH. 

IWGP Tag Team Champions KENTA & Chase Owens defend against Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI. 

Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles against KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight, and TJP & Francesco Akira in a three-way.

Four tag team bouts round out today’s pre-show and undercard. 

TMDK (Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi

This match was fairly by the book, but a fun opener nonetheless.

The highlight of this match was the mat-based exchange between ZSJ and Desperado. Fujita was also a welcome addition; he was as firey as always.

Fujita and Taguchi engaged in a sequence late in the match. Once ZSJ and Desperado interfered, the match broke down entirely. This distracted Taguchi, allowing Fujita to trap him in an Oconnor roll and win the match.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (David Finlay & Gedo)

This was a nothing match.

This match opened with Finlay unloading on Hiromu. Hiromu tried to fight back but continually struggled to overcome Finlay. Gedo eventually tagged in, opening the door to an LIJ rally.

With Gedo legal, LIJ was able to overwhelm BC. Hiromu kept Finlay at bay long enough for BUSHI to secure the figure four. With no one to save him, Gedo tapped out, leaving LIJ with the win.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA & Yuya Uemura) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb)

This was nothing special.

Early on, J5G tried their best to catch Cobb, but his strength proved too much. Once UE established control, they traded tags, working to isolate DOUKI.

DOUKI eventually tagged out to SANADA, who turned the match around for J5G. He unloaded on UE, connecting with a barrage of dropkicks to shift momentum completely.

Uemura tagged in to challenge O-Khan. A back-and-forth followed, leading to UE rushing the ring. As soon as they left O-Khan in a strong position, Uemura caught O-Khan with a crucifix pin to win the match.

After the match, O-Khan tried to check Uemura. Uemura responded with a deadbolt suplex. After dropping O-Khan, Uemura held up the KOPW belt, teasing a future title challenge. 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) (c) defeated Catch 22 (Francesco Akira & TJP) & Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA)

This match kicked off with a brawl. Most of the guys fought on the outside, leaving the ring for spots. This played out for some time before the War Dogs cleared the ring and began to isolate Knight.

Knight eventually kicked off the War Dogs, leading to another match breakdown. Once the ring was cleared, Knight hit a dive into the first row of seats.

Back in the ring, Knight hit TJP with a rana before planting Akira with a powerbomb for a nearfall. Once Knight stood up, the War Dogs hit him with their tandem spear. KUSHIDA hit the ring next, only to eat a spear himself.

Moloney tried for a Drilla Killa, but KUSHIDA slipped free, leading to another breakdown. Once the match calmed down, TJP hit Moloney with a splash for a nearfall. Before anyone could follow up, the match fell into chaos again.

After a sequence of quick nearfalls, TJP locked KUSHIDA in a stretch. KUSHIDA reversed into the hoverboard lock. Before TJP could submit, the War Dogs hit the ring to break up the hold. Another match breakdown followed.

The War Dogs emerged from the chaos with the lead. Moloney hit KUSHIDA with the Drilla Killa. With the end in sight, the War Dogs hit Full Clip, their suplex/spear combination. They then pinned KUSHIDA to retain their belts.

IWGP Tag Team Championship: BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens & KENTA) (c) vs. Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI)

The champions kicked off this match by jumping Bishamon, only for Bishamon to reverse momentum almost immediately afterward. BC fought back by taking the challengers to the floor and whipping them into the barricades.

Back in the ring, BC maintained their lead by isolating Goto. Once YH tagged in, Bishamon turned the match back around. Owens tagged in in an attempt to reverse momentum, but Bishamon held on. This lasted until a chair shot from KENTA allowed Owens to take the driver’s seat.

Owens dropped Goto with Jewel Heist for a nearfall. KENTA tried to close with a belt shot, but Goto reversed. Owens quickly responded with a C-Trigger, but Goto stuffed the second. This gave YH time to hit the ring, leading to a Shoto attempt, but Owens slipped free.

Owens hit another C-Trigger for a nearfall. Owens then tried to get his package piledriver, but YH saved it. This led to a back-and-forth between YH and KENTA, ending with a Goto lariat. With the ring cleared, Bishamon grabbed Owens, landed Shoto and won the match.

Bishamon are tag champions once again.

Best of The Super Juniors Lineup

Titan (CMLL) | Blake Christian (ROH) | Ninja Mack (NOAH) | HAYATA (NOAH) | Ryusuke Taguchi | El Desperado | Kevin Knight | YOH | Hiromu Takahashi | BUSHI | TJP | Fransico Akira | DOUKI | Robbie Eagles | Taiji Ishimori | Yoshinobu Kanemaru | SHO | Clark Connors | Drilla Moloney | Kosei Fujita 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: SHO (c) defeated YOH

As soon as this match began, YOH took the lead, but he immediately dislocated his shoulder. The match was called off, leaving SHO as the champion.

Once the match was officially over, Fujita and DOUKI came to the ring to challenge SHO, but neither got the match. Instead, Fujita dropped SHO, and DOUKI left with the belt.

Jon Moxley & Shota Umino defeated House of Torture (Jack Perry & Ren Narita)

This match started with HoT gaining the lead in their signature style. Once they were in control, HoT worked to isolate Umino.

Once Moxley tagged in, he leveled Narita, turning the match on its head. Moxley tried taking the fight to the floor, but Perry cut him off. Moxley responded by throwing Perry over the barricade. With Moxley distracted, Narita was free to land a suplex on the floor.

Back in the ring, Narita continued to make advances against Moxley. Moxley hit a cutter, leading to a double tag.

With Perry legal, Umino launched into an intense sequence. Perry reversed momentum by landing an elbow drop from the top rope. This led to Narita hitting the ring, which forced Moxley to get involved. With Moxley’s help, Umino held off HoT before hitting an exploder suplex for a nearfall.

A double tag led to Moxley unloading on Narita. Narita raked Moxley’s eyes to buy some separation but Moxley responded with a lariat. A superplex scored a nearfall for Moxley.

Perry hit the ring, distracting the referee. Narita tried to hit Moxley with his pushup bar, but Narita made the save. Narita tried to hold on, attempting a double cross, but Moxley slipped free. Moxley followed up with a Deathrider and a pin on Narita to win the match.

NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi defeated EVIL (c)

This was horrible. One of the worst title matches I have ever seen.

The match started slowly, with Takagi trying to gain control in the ring. Once the match worked its way to the floor, EVIL whipped Takagi into the barricades and attacked him with chairs. Back in the ring, EVIL choked Takagi with a wire.

A dragonscrew from Takagi reset the match in his favor. Shingo followed up with high-impact offense, including a superplex for a nearfall. Once Takagi had a strong lead, EVIL faked a leg injury, distracting the referee.

With the referee distracted, Yujiro removed the turnbuckle cover. EVIL followed up by whipping Takagi into said corner. Takagi tried to respond with a pumping bomber, but Yujiro hit him with a chair again.

This interference led to a man dressed as BUSHI hitting the ring. He distracted the referee, allowing HoT to continue their attack. The real BUSHI hit the ring to make the save, but he spat mist in the face of the referee.

With the referee down, Kanemaru entered the ring wearing an official’s shirt. HoT beat down Takahashi, EVIL hit the magic killer, and Kanemaru counted to three. Takahashi rang the bell to signify EVIL’s faux win.

Hiromu, also wearing a referee’s shirt, ran to the ring to clear out HoT. This led to a full-scale brawl between the teams.

Takagi spat whiskey into the face of EVIL before throwing a faceful of powder at the champion. Hiromu then pulled another real referee to the ring. Shingo hit Last of the Dragon and won the match.

The only thing positive about this match is EVIL is no longer the NEVER champion.

After the match, Gabe Kidd hit the ring and interrupted Takagi’s celebration. He called the NEVER title a joke in it’s current state. He called out management and spat on the lion mark. Kidd promised to kill anyone in his way. He swore he’d take Shingo’s belt before leaving the ring.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito (c) defeated Yota Tsuji

Tsuji was the first to establish control, utilizing basic strikes and holds to gain a lead. Naito fired back with clubbing strikes, but Tsuji continued to advance regardless, landing a tope to further his lead. On the outside, Tsuji whipped Naito into the barricades before dropping him on the apron. Back inside, Tsuji continued utilizing simple holds to dominate Naito.

Naito eventually fired back, landing a dropkick to the back to gain the lead for the first time. Naito followed up with a neckbreaker, beginning his wear down to set up Destino.

After being on the receiving end of Naito’s neck-based offense for a while, Tsuji fired back with a boot. Tsuji then pulled Naito to his feet on the ring’s apron and hit a partial curb stomp to the floor.

Back in the ring, Naito fired back with a DDT. To follow up, Naito hammered Tsuji with elbows to the neck and a frankensteiner.

When Naito tried for Destino, Tsuji reversed and landed a knee for a nearfall. Tsuji followed up with a powerbomb for a nearfall.

Tsuji tried for a Gene Blast, but Naito caught him with a kick. Naito then attempted a Destino, but Tsuji threw him off and hit Gene Blast. Tsuji was too exhausted to make the cover.

With both men down, a strike exchange ensued. Tsuji won out and hoisted Naito to the top rope. Tsuji hit a superplex for a two-count before locking in the Boston crab. Tsuji then hit his top rope curb stomp and a powerbomb for a pair of nearfalls.

With Naito on his last legs, Tsuji tried for Gene Blast. Naito reversed by launching Tsuji into the corner. Naito followed up with a spear of his own. Tsuji kicked out of the follow-up pin at one.

When Naito tried for Destino again, Tsuji reversed. Tsuji tried for a suplex, but Naito landed a partial Destino. Naito followed up with a full Destino to win the match and retain his belt.

After the match, Moxley confronted Naito in the ring. Naito offered putting the belt on the line against Moxley in Chicago. Unsrupringly, Moxley accepted. The match is set. April 12, Moxley vs. Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

New Japan Cup 2024 finals live results: Hirooki Goto vs. Yota Tsuji

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Hirooki Goto faces Yota Tsuji today in the New Japan Cup 2024 finals. 

Goto is the only three-time New Japan Cup winner, although he has not won the tournament since 2012. Goto also has three runner-up performances to his credit, making him the most decorated New Japan Cup competitor in the tournament’s 20-year history. 

This is the first New Japan Cup finals appearance for Tsuji. 

The winner of today’s finals will face IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito for the title at Sakura Genesis on Saturday, April 6. 

Naito will be in action in the semi-main event of today’s show, teaming with Shingo Takagi against EVIL & Dick Togo from Bullet Club’s House of Torture. 

In a 10-man tag, Hikuleo, El Phantasmo, Toru Yano, Jado & Boltin Oleg will take on SANADA, Taichi, Yuya Uemura, DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku of Just Five Guys.

YOH will face Yoshinobu Kanemaru in a special singles match on today’s show in the other featured bout. 

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi) defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato

This was a decent outing from the Young Lions. They were firey heading into the finishing sequence, but BUSHI was able to secure the win with a crab.

United Empire (Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan & TJP) defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, Tanga Loa & Tomohiro Ishii

This was a step up from what I expected. It almost felt like a decent effort was made in this match. Catch 22’s tandem offense led to the UE finish.

TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman & Jeff Cobb)

This was a highly competitive undercard tag. The closing sequence went back and forth, with a handful of nearfalls between Nicholls and Newman. In the end, Mikey landed his finish to secure the win.

BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, Gabe Kidd & KENTA) defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe & YOSHI-HASHI

Most of this match’s disorder came from the babyfaces. By the end, BULLET CLUB was taking full advantage of this chaos. KENTA hit Tenzan with his belt, leaving Owens free to secure the pinfall win.

After the match, BC tried hitting YH with the belt, but YH escaped. Makabe and Kidd also continued to brawl after the closing bell.

House Of Torture (Jack Perry, Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated El Desperado, Shota Umino & Yuji Nagata

This was fine.

The crowd was really into this match throughout its runtime, and most of the cheating wasn’t insulting. The closing sequence saw Narita hit Nagata with a low blow before forcing him to tap with the cobra twist.

YOH defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This match kicked off with Kanemaru and SHO jumping SHO before the opening bell. From here, the typical HoT match played out, complete with distracted referees and outside beat downs.

After spending an extended amount of time in Kanemaru’s Boston crab, YOH escaped to the bottom rope. He then took advantage of an attempted distraction, leading to Kanemaru spitting his whiskey in SHO’s face. YOH then rolled up Kanemaru to win the match.

After the match, YOH left with the junior title in hand.

Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Jado), Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)

This wasn’t a good match, but it didn’t try to be one.

Everyone had their moment to shine, but this was totally lighthearted bell-to-bell. In the end, ELP hit his finish and pinned TAKA to win the match.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito) defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo & EVIL)

This was a by-the-book HoT tag. 

The action worked its way into the crowd early on, with EVIL utilizing chairs to establish a lead. The fighting continued so long that the referee’s count reached 20, resulting in a double count-out.

Shingo grabbed the microphone and asked for a restart with EVIL’s belt in hand. HoT accepted the challenge, and the match restarted.

This was the second EVIL match to be thrown out and restarted in the past two days.

Once the match restarted, the fighting returned to the floor. EVIL and Togo isolated Shingo on the outside, hitting him with the turnbuckle cover and whipping him into the barricades. Once the match returned to the ring, the isolation continued.

Eventually, Naito tagged in and turned the match around for his team. HoT challenged Naito’s lead by choking him with a shirt, hitting a low blow, and bumping the referee. With the referee down, Togo choked Naito with his wire.

Once Naito escaped Togo’s wire, he used it himself. Naito then dropped Togo with a low blow and used a jackknife pin to win the match.

Shingo challenged EVIL to a match for the NEVER Openweight Championship after the match.

New Japan Cup: Yota Tsuji defeated Hirooki Goto

This match was a lot of fun, especially in the closing stretch. It’s easily one of the best matches of the tournament.

The match opened with a standard feeling-out process. This led to Goto leaving the ring, which Tsuji followed with a tope. Back inside the ring, Tsuji utilized body scissors to maintain his control.

A ushigoroshi reset the match, leading to a back-and-forth strike exchange. Goto won out, establishing control for the first time in the match. He tried for GTR but missed, leaving Tsuji free to drive him onto the mat.

Tsuji landed a pair of stomps for a nearfall. When Tsuji tried to follow up, Goto secured the sleeper hold. Goto then tried for GTR again, but Tsuji answered with a headbutt. Goto responded with eight headbutts of his own, maintaining his lead.

Goto landed Shouten Kai for one of the nearest nearfalls I’ve ever seen. After Tsuji kicked out, Goto paused, buying Tsuji enough time to respond with a knee. Tsuji went for Gene Blast but was cut off by a lariat.

Goto tried for a rainmaker, but Tsuji reversed into Gene Blast; Goto kicked out at one. Tsuji didn’t waste any time before hitting another Gene Blast. He then pinned Goto to win the New Japan Cup.

Tsuji cut the show ending promo, declaring himself the face of a new era. Naito joined him in the ring after Tsuji promised to take his belt. Naito questioned his readiness before having a friendly stare down.

Once Naito left the ring, Tsuji promised to take New Japan to greater heights.

Tsuji is set for action against his faction mate and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Tetsuya Naito, at Sakura Genesis.

New Japan Cup 2024 night 11 live results: Semifinals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

New Japan Cup 2024’s semifinals take place today in Fukushima. 

One one side of the bracket, SANADA of Just Five Guys will face Hirooki Goto of CHAOS in a battle of former tournament winners. 

SANADA won the New Japan Cup 2023, defeating David Finlay in the finals. Goto remains the only three-time New Japan Cup winner, but his last victory came in 2012, and he has not made the finals since 2016. 

On the other side of the bracket, Yota Tsuji of Los Ingobernables de Japon will battle EVIL from Bullet Club’s House of Torture. 

EVIL won the tournament in 2020, defeating Kazuchika Okada in the finals and going on to defeat Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships at Dominion that year. 

The winners of today’s tournament matches will meet in the finals on Wednesday, with the overall tournament winner advancing to face Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis on April 6. 

TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated Oleg Boltin & Shoma Kato

This match was fantastic. 

Zack brought so much out of the Young Lions; both looked great. Of course, Oleg led his team with multiple power-based sequences but also tried his hand at grappling. Kato was firey, adding to the energy of the match. Ultimately, ZSJ forced Kato to submit to win the match for TMDK.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, Taichi & Yuya Uemura) defeated El Desperado, Togi Makabe & Tomohiro Ishii

This was an uninspiring six-man.

This was filled with what you would expect: a handful of middling back-and-forths, an Ishii/Taichi striking battle, and Makabe taking the loss. The match ended after Uemura forced Makabe to tap out with an armbar.

After the match, Ishii and Taichi traded more strikes.

Ryusuke Taguchi & Tanga Loa defeated United Empire (Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan)

Bad. This was bad.

The only person who seemed like he wanted to be there was Newman. Unfortunately, this meant he was on the receiving end of some ugly-looking offense. Thankfully, this match eventually came to an end. Loa won the match for his team by forcing Newman to submit with a crossface.

After the match, Taguchi put his butt on Newman’s face. Loa then challenged O-Khan for the KOPW belt.

BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, Gabe Kidd & KENTA) defeated CHAOS (Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This was a by-the-book BULLET CLUB match.

After prolonged isolation from the BULLET CLUB trio, they distracted the referee. KENTA hit Tenzan with the tag belt and pinned him to win the match.

After securing the win, BULLET CLUB continued to beat down their opponents. 

Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo), Shota Umino & YOH defeated House Of Torture (Jack Perry, Ren Narita, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

Before the match began, HoT attacked Hikuleo, setting the pace for the rest of the match. There was a lot of shenanigans, as you would expect. After Umino cleared the ring of Perry, he forced Yujiro to submit with a crossface.

After the match, YOH stole the junior title ahead of their match on the 20th. 

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito) defeated United Empire (Francesco Akira, Jeff Cobb & TJP)

They’re really pushing the idea that TJP is stepping up to lead UE without him actually winning anything. Other than that, this was a totally average showcase tag.

This match featured heavy interactions from the pairings you would expect. Hiromu and Akira were the main focus heading into the final stretch. With the end in sight, Akira set up for his finish, but Hiromu reversed into the Hiromu roll to win the match.

New Japan Cup: Yota Tsuji defeated EVIL

This match was really bad. It was nothing short of frustrating from the first opening bell to the close. That said, Tsuji winning in the end did feel great (mostly because it marks the end of HoT in the cup, but hey, a win is a win).

Before the match began, Tsuji attacked HoT on the outside. This occupied Tsuji long enough for EVIL to take advantage, whipping Tsuji into the barricade. From here, HoT rushed the ring, leading to a beatdown on Tsuji. LIJ ran to the ring to make the save, but the sheer numbers from HoT proved to be too much.

The referee couldn’t gain order so he called for the bell. The match was ruled a no-contest.

An irate Tsuji grabbed the microphone and asked for a restart. In order for the match to restart, HoT and LIJ had to return to the back, which they did.

The match kicked off for the second time with an impassioned Tsuji rushed EVIL. EVIL retreated to the outside, where he lay in wait. When Tsuji met him on the floor, EVIL slammed him into the barricade and removed the cover from the turnbuckles.

Back inside the ring, EVIL pulled the hair of Tsuji, chopped his chest, and gouged his eyes. EVIL then worked Tsuji into the corner. Tsuji responded with a sudden curb stomp, resting the match. Before Tsuji could gain a footing, EVIL slammed him into the exposed corner and landed a fisherman suplex to re-cement his lead. EVIL followed up with Darkness Falls for a nearfall.

Tsuji reset the match again by driving EVIL into the exposed corner. A sit-out bomb from Tsuji scored him a nearfall. As soon as Tsuji was in a winning position, EVIL bumped the referee. HoT rushed the ring again, leading to a full-fledged beatdown. LIJ tried to make the save, but again, they were outnumbered.

Once a new referee entered the ring, EVIL floored Tsuji with a lariat. EVIL tried for Everything is Evil, but Tsuji flipped out and landed a headbutt and powerbomb in response. EVIL bumped the referee again and hit a low blow. Before Narita could hit Tsuji with his pushup bar, Shingo Takagi hit the ring and cleared HoT. BUSHI misted EVIL, and Shingo hit him with a pumping bomber to even the odds. This left Tsuji free to hit Gene Blast and win the match.

Tsuji, in his first New Japan Cup post-excursion, is in the finals. 

New Japan Cup: Hirooki Goto defeated SANADA

This match opened with a slow feeling-out before working its way to the floor. On the outside, SANADA dropped Goto with a piledriver. Back inside, SANADA maintained his lead with basic offense.

Goto eventually dropped SANADA with a lariat to gain some footing. He then utilized more strikes to further his lead. SANADA didn’t let Goto’s lead develop, however. He landed a dropkick to send Goto to the floor followed by a plancha, regaining a strong lead.

SANADA attempted Skull End, but Goto escaped. This led to a short scramble, but SANADA landed TKO to stay on top. SANADA tried for the rounding body press but missed, leaving Goto free to land a ushigoroshi, resetting the match.

After a striking battle, SANADA hit a shining wizard. He then secured Skull End in the middle of the ring. Once Goto was freed, he dropped SANADA with a headbutt. When he tried for GTW, SANADA reversed and attempted multiple quick pins.

Goto kicked from SANADA’s cheap attempts at pinning Goto. SANADA followed up with a shining wizard, but Goto was quick to respond with GTR and GTW to win the match.

The match is set. On Wednesday, in his seventh finals, Hirooki Goto will face Yota Tsuji for the New Japan Cup.

New Japan Cup 2024 night 10 live results: Shingo vs. EVIL

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The semifinals for the New Japan Cup 2024 will be set following today’s last quarterfinals bouts in Shizuoka. 

Both tournament matches tonight feature a member of Los Ingobernables de Japon vs. a member of Bullet Club’s House of Torture.

Former LIJ’s Shingo Takagi & HoT’s EVIL will meet in the main event quarterfinals matchup with a spot in Monday’s semifinals on the line. 

In tonight’s other quarterfinals match in the semi-main, LIJ’s Yota Tsuji faces HoT’s Ren Narita. 

The winners of today’s tournament matches will meet on Monday’s show in the semifinals. Hirooki Goto vs. SANADA is already set for the other semifinals bout on Monday’s show. 

Six tag team matches round out today’s undercard, including an LIJ vs. Just Five Guys trios match featuring Tetsuya Naito, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI vs. SANADA, Taichi & Yuya Uemura. 

Today’s show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

Katsuya Murashima & Oleg Boltin defeated Ryusuke Taguchi & Shoma Kato

This match featured heavy back and forth from the Young Lions. Taguchi wore his own Young Lion attire, matching the energy from the others. Oleg won the match for his team with a big drop to Kato.

Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Tanga Loa) defeated United Empire (Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan & TJP)

This was an absolutely nothing match. After minutes of struggle, Loa won the match for GoD.

TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman & Jeff Cobb)

This was a solid showcase between these teams. The isolation work and breakdown sequences were a blast. The match ended with a ZSJ arm bar on Newman that forced the submission.

El Desperado, Shota Umino & YOH defeated House Of Torture (Jack Perry, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

This was a total HoT match. There was a chicanery involving the Junior belt. Umino was able to overcome the hijinks to win the match.

CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) & Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, Gabe Kidd, Gedo, KENTA & Taiji Ishimori)

This was a standard Bullet Club match built around isolation and the hot tag. Ishii and Kidd continue to be the best part of these showcase tags. Once Ishii and Kidd stopped brawling, YH won the match for his team.

Just 5 Guys (SANADA, Taichi & Yuya Uemura) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito)

This match featured heavy interaction between SANADA and Naito early. An extended match breakdown followed with a back-and-forth between teams. The scramble ended with Uemura securing a quick pin on BUSHI.

New Japan Cup: Yota Tsuji defeated Ren Narita

Narita opened the match by rushing Tsuji. He tried taking advantage on the floor, but Tsuji reversed, whipping Narita into the barricade. This forced Narita to the ring to recover.

After a pause, Narita went back outside and reversed momentum by driving Tsuji into the fencing. Narita then slammed Tsuji into the Shizuoka wall before throwing him into a sea of chairs. Narita followed up by attacking Tsuji with the floor seats. Back in the ring, Narita continued this advance. Tsuji eventually knocked Narita to the floor, but Narita cut off his dive with a chair shot.

Tsuji eventually launched into a rally. After scoring a couple of two counts from big moves, Tsuji set up for Gene Blast. Narita reversed and attempted Double Cross. Tsuji blocked Double Cross with a handstand and went for Gene Blast again. This time, Narita pulled the referee into Tsuji’s path.

After the ref bump, HoT hit the ring in full. Thankfully, LIJ was right behind and cleared the ring. Narita tried to take advantage of the distraction by hitting Tsuji with his pushup bar but he missed. Narita didn’t waste any time, though; he hit a low blow to follow up. Before Narita could capitalize, however, Tsuji transitioned into the pin and won the match.

Tsjui has defeated Narita for the first time in his career to advance to the semi-finals.

After the match, HoT beat down Tsuji. EVIL joined the beatdown, prompting Shingo Takagi to join the conflict ahead of the main event.

New Japan Cup: EVIL defeated Shingo Takagi

The brawl that marked the end of the last match kicked off this one. Shingo started hot, but EVIL was able to reverse momentum by utilizing his environment. Inside the ring, EVIL choked Shingo with a shirt, taking advantage of a distracted referee.

Shingo eventually launched a rally, but a kick from EVIL sent him to the mat. This led to HoT filling the floor with chairs. EVIL tried suplexing Shingo into the hardware, but Shingo reversed, giving EVIL a taste of his own medicine. Shingo then hit a suplex in the ring to further his newfound lead.

A sliding lariat from Shingo scored him a nearfall. EVIL needed separation, so he pretended to be injured. This distracted the referee, leading to a ref bump and HoT rushing the ring. HoT beat down Shingo, leaving EVIL in strong position.

Shingo dug deep to challenge EVIL’s lead, hitting a lariat to reset the match. After knocking EVIL to the floor, Shingo hit Made in Japan. During the count, HoT rang the bell before the referee could finish his count, triggering another distraction.

EVIL shoved Shingo into the referee again, leading to a full breakdown between LIJ and HoT. EVIL ate a face full of black mist, whiskey, and mystery powder before the referee woke back up. EVIL landed Everything is Evil and pinned Shingo to win the match.

EVIL advances to face Tsuji in the semi-finals.

New Japan Cup 2024 night eight live results: Sabre vs. Narita

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The final eight in the 2024 New Japan Cup field will be set following today’s event in Osaka. 

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita in the main event, plus Yota Tsuji vs. El Phantasmo in the semi-main event are today’s Cup matches, the final second round bouts of the tournament. 

The winners of today’s matches will square off in the quarterfinals on March 17. 

Today’s undercard will feature four tag team bouts, and the show kicks off with a pair of singles matches. 

The featured tag team bout is an eight-man with LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI facing UE’s Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, TJP & Francesco Akira.

Mikey Nicholls of TMDK takes on Callum Newman of United Empire in one singles bout, while Young Lions Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima square off in the opener.

Today’s show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

Time Limit Draw: Shoma Kato vs. Katsuya Murashima

Oh, how I’ve missed the Young Lion exhibitions. 

This was a straightforward, efficient, and fun ground war. The match ended with Kato locking in a Boston Crab, but Murashima held on to earn the time-limit draw.

Mikey Nicholls defeated Callum Newman

This was a decent little singles match.

There were a handful of competitive sequences and interesting offenses ahead of the finish. Ultimately, Nicholls won the match with a Master Blaster.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi & Yuya Uemura) defeated Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma), El Desperado & Oleg Boltin

This was a totally standard preview tag. It was fun; GBH had a lot of ring time. That said, it’s nothing worth going out of your way for.

The match ended with a back-and-forth between Honma and Uemura. Uemura was overwhelmed momentarily but eventually reversed momentum. He hit Honma with his deadbolt suplex and won the match.

BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, KENTA & Taiji Ishimori) defeated CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) & Ryusuke Taguchi 

This was almost your typical BULLET CLUB match, but the interactions between Kidd and Ishii elevated it above average. It’s not awful, but it’s not worth seeking out.

The match ended after a full-scale breakdown, which left Owens and Taguchi alone in the ring. Owens hit Taguchi with the package piledriver and won the match.

Guerrillas Of Destiny (Hikuleo, Jado & Tanga Loa), Shota Umino & YOH defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo, EVIL, Jack Perry, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

If you’ve seen one HoT match, you’ve seen them all. Shota’s goal was to pin Perry, but he couldn’t get the job done. Instead, after minutes of back and forth, YOH pinned Togo with a bridging pin. 

United Empire (Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito)

This match was fine, even if it felt like little more than a card filler.

Both teams exchanged control multiple times in this match. Only after multiple match breakdowns Cobb isolated BUSHI from his team. He landed on Tour of the Islands to win the match.

New Japan Cup: Yota Tsuji defeated El Phantasmo

This match kicked off with some common grappling. It turned into a strike-off, which ELP took full advantage of. ELP landed a rana and attempted a dive, but Tsuji cut him off with a kick.

Back in the ring, Tsuji slammed ELP into the corner. He then took ELP to the mat with a body scissor. Once ELP secured a rope break, Tsuji hit a scoop slam and a splash. ELP remained on the back foot until he caught him with a DDT.

Tsuji fled to the outside, but ELP was right behind him with another DDT. ELP then hit a senton and moonsault combination for a nearfall. ELP tried for Sudden Death, but Tsuji avoided the finish. Tsuji followed up with a tilt-a-whirl for a match reset.

Tsuji caught ELP with a boot, sending ELP back to the floor. Tsuji then positioned ELP on the mat, where the pair struggled for control. ELP tried for CR2, but Tsuji avoided it. Tsuji attempted his curb stomp on the apron, but ELP dodged it. ELP attempted a dive to the floor, but again, he missed. Tsuji was quick to respond with a curb stomp on the floor. ELP barely beat the count, only to eat another curb stomp as soon as he entered the ropes.

Instead of going for the finish, Tusji hoisted ELP to a standing position. He then slapped ELP, landed a corner splash, and lifted him to the top rope. From the top, Tsuji hit a Spanish Fly for a nearfall. Tsuji set up for a Gene Blast, but ELP lept the attack and hit a Sudden Death superkick for a nearfall of his own.

A sequence of quick pins nearly ended the match. Tsuji took advantage of a momentary pause after the back-and-forth to kick ELP to the mat. Tsuji attempted another Gene Blast, but ELP intercepted Tsuji. ELP transitioned into CR2 for a convincing false finish.

Another strike exchange escalated into a sequence of heavy moves. Tsuji landed a knee strike and a curb stomp. With ELP laying in the corner, Tsuji lept to the top rope and delivered another curb stomp, resulting in a win.

Yota Tsuji is set for quarter final action.

New Japan Cup: Ren Narita defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

I would have been pumped if you told me this match was happening one year ago. This was far better than that match would have been. This was great. Both men looked focused and intense. Even the HoT interference wasn’t nearly as infuriating as it should be. Color me impressed.

Narita came to the ring holding his pushup bar, accompanied by Jack Perry, Dick Togo, EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, & Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Mikey Nicholls made sure they were expelled to the back before the match began.

The match opened with a scramble for control. No one won out, but Narita was outclassed, so he fled to the floor. Once he returned, he tried catching ZSJ with strikes, but ZSJ fought back with some of his own. Narita held on long enough to throw ZSJ to the floor.

On the outside, Narita carried ZSJ into the floor seats. He tried throwing ZSJ into the wall, but ZSJ blocked him before locking in the cobra twist. Once the referee forced ZSJ to break his hold, ZSJ struck Narita, forcefully sending him back toward the ring.

Once the pair was ringside, Narita whipped ZSJ into the barricade, sending him crashing into English coms. Narita followed up with a sick sling blade-esq lariat into the fencing. Narita dropped ZSJ with a chair before punting him on the apron.

Back in the ring, Narita established control of the mat. He utilized holds, whips, and kicks, really putting ZSJ on the back foot. ZSJ eventually fired back, knocking Narita to the mat. ZSJ then employed his own holds, whips, and kicks to reset the match in his favor.

It took a quick slap and a clothesline from Narita to retake control. ZSJ answered by initiating a passionate strike battle, ending with a pair of big boots; during this exchange, Narita’s nose busted, resulting in a lot of blood. Narita won out, hitting a Narita special and a guillotine for nearfall.

ZSJ tried to regain his lead with two quick pin attempts. A stunning suplex followed, resulting in another nearfall. Once both men returned to their feet, ZSJ attempted the Zack Driver, but Narita slipped free, catching ZSJ in the octopus hold. ZSJ escaped; Narita followed up with a guillotine knee for another nearfall.

Narita tried for Double Cross, but ZSJ transitioned into a cross-arm breaker. A quick exchange of holds followed, but ZSJ maintained control. This signaled HoT to hit the ring. Nicholls was as fast to the ring as possible, but he couldn’t hold off HoT alone. The distraction left Narita free to drop ZSJ with the pushup bar and a double cross to win the match.

Narita advances to the quarter-finals.

New Japan Cup 2024 night seven live results: Shingo vs. Kidd

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The 2024 New Japan Cup continues today in Okayama with two second round matches.

In the main event, Shingo Takagi faces Gabe Kidd with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. 

In the night’s other tournament bout, EVIL will face Hikuleo for a place in the quarterfinals. 

The winners of today’s tournament matches will square off in the quarterfinals on March 17. 

The New Japan Cup field will be whittled down to 10 following today’s show, with the final 8 being set following Friday’s show. Yota Tsuji vs. El Phantasmo, and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita are Friday’s tournament matches. 

Six tag team matches will fill out today’s undercard, including an eight-man tag pitting Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI of Los Ingobernables de Japon vs. Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo, Togi Makabe & El Desperado. 

Today’s show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb) defeated Tomoaki Honma & Toru Yano

This was a totally by-the-book opening tag. There was some goofiness from Yano, Honma, and O-Khan. O-Khan won the match for UE by submitting Honma with his abdominal/stretch claw combination.

CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira & TJP)

This match had some substance but isn’t something I’d recommend going out of your way to see. There were a handful of competitive sequences throughout this match before the finish. Ultimatly, the match ended once Bishamon hit Newman with Shoto, pulling off a CHAOS win.

House Of Torture (Jack Perry & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino

The was a less egregious HoT match than normal. Perry and Shota continued their rivalry here with some hate-filled interactions. Perry won the match for HoT with his “Glass Jaw” knee strike on Taguchi.

After the match, HoT beat down Shota. Perry then told Sanada he was “next.”

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi & Yuya Uemura) defeated BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, David Finlay, Gedo & KENTA)

This was a fairly uninteresting match. There was a lot of Bullet Club-led isolation and not-so-compelling offense from the babyfaces. DOUKI submitted Gedo with the DOUKI-chokie to leave with the win.

TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated House Of Torture (Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi)

This was the second HoT match that was less bad than expected. It seems they’re saving the worst for the EVIL/Hikuleo match. They still cheated, but there wasn’t endless interference. The match ended once TMDK thwarted the usual referee distraction spot, and ZSJ hit Yujiro with a penalty kick.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji) defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Tanga Loa), El Desperado & Togi Makabe

This match felt as if it was here just to fill time. It was supposed to set up ELP/Tsuji, but I think this made me even less interested in their cup match. After an extended time alone in the ring, Tsuji hit Makabe with Gene Blast and won the match for LIJ.

New Japan Cup: EVIL defeated Hikuleo

My expectations for this match were already very low. This managed to be worse than I thought it’d be.

EVIL opened the match by attacking Hikuleo’s injured knee. Hikuleo fought back, taking the fight to the floor, all while limping. He whipped EVIL into the barricade and chopped him around the ring.

Back inside, EVIL retook control by turning his attention back to the knee. He worked holds on the mat and targeted the injury with various strikes. EVIL then threw Hikuleo to the floor, allowing Dick Togo to attack the knee with a chair.

Inside the ropes, EVIL paused for a second, allowing Hikuleo to cut him off with a lariat. Hikuleo then cemented his control with a big boot and a suplex. This prompted a HoT run in and beatdown.

Hikuleo tried fighting off HoT on his own. He landed the TKO, prompting another distraction, ref bump, and beat down. This time, GoD ran in to make the save, clearing the ring of HoT. It wasn’t enough, however, as EVIL closed the match with Everything is Evil moments later.

New Japan Cup: Shingo Takagi defeated Gabe Kidd

I’ve seen more intense brawls from both men, but this was still a blast. While it’s not saying much at this point, this was one of the better Cup matches so far.

Before Takagi entered the ring, Kidd rushed him, leading to a fight on the outside. Kidd attacked him with a chair and forced him into the crowd. He taunted Shingo with a live microphone, inciting Shingo to fight back. Shingo whipped Kidd into the barricades himself, but Kidd kept up the fight, biting Shingo before throwing him in the ring.

When Kidd followed Shingo between the ropes, Shingo immediatly dropped him with a shoulder tackle. The bell then sounded, singling the main event had, in fact, begun. A rocked Kidd fled to the floor, but Shingo maintained his pressure.

Kidd was forced to drive Shingo into the barricade to buy a moment of separation. He then tore down the barricades, slammed the fencing into Shingo, and hit a piledriver on a pile of chairs. Kidd returned to the ring and demanded the referee begin his count. Shingo struggled but eventually found his way back in the ring.

As soon as Shingo beat the count, Kidd hit a back suplex. Kidd then tried his best for another countout, but this gave Shingo time to recover. Kidd tried to strike down Shingo but fought back, hitting a clothesline to buy a momentary break.

Kidd tried keeping Shingo on the backfoot with another suplex, but Shingo answered by initiating a strike exchange. Strikes turned to headbutts before turning back to strikes. Kidd dropped Shingo with a clothesline, but Kidd answered with one of his own. The pair continued going back and forth with heavier and heavier offense until Kidd spat in Shingo’s face. Shingo hit Kidd with a back suplex and Made in Japan for a nearfall.

Kidd fired back, hitting a lariat and a tombstone for a nearfall of his own. Once Shingo kicked out, another fierce back and forth. Shingo hit the pumping bomber and immediately followed up with Last of the Dragon to win the match.

New Japan Cup 2024 night six live results: Goto vs. Owens

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The 2024 New Japan Cup continues today in Ehime with two second round matches. 

In the main event, Hirooki Goto faces Chase Owens. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals round.

In the other tournament bout on the show, Tanga Loa will take on David Finlay for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The winners of today’s tournament bouts will square off in the quarterfinals round on March 16. SANADA will face Jack Perry in the quarterfinals on that show as well.

Today’s undercard will feature six tag team matches, including a Los Ingoernables de Japon vs. Bullet Club six-man. It will be LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Bullet Club’s KENTA, Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori in that contest. 

Shingo & Kidd will square off on tomorrow’s show in the main event in a New Japan Cup tournament match. 

Today’s show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 6 a.m. Eastern time.

Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, & YOSHI-HASHI defeated Oleg Boltin, Tomoaki Honma, & Katsuya Murashima

This match opened as a test of Murashima. Once he tagged out, the now-typical Oleg rally played out. Murashima eventually tagged back in, challenged Ishii, and submitted to a Boston Crab.

TJP & Francesco Akira defeated El Desperado & Ryuske Taguchi

This was, in a lot of ways, a Taguchi-led match. His normal offense played out, and both Desperado and UE matched his energy. UE eventually overcame the silliness, with TJP hitting a knee and pinning Taguchi. 

Yuya Uemura, Taichi, & SANADA (Just 5 Guys) defeated Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, & Jeff Cobb (United Empire)

This was a totally by-the-book outing for these teams. Everyone had a chance to get in their signature offense. The match eventually broke down, ending with Uemura hitting Newman with the deadbolt suplex to win the match.

Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls (TMDK) defeated BUSHI & Yota Tsuji (Los Ingobernables de Japon)

This was a fun match, especially compared to what was earlier on the card. 

Tsuji matched the styles of both of his opponents before tagging out to BUSHI. BUSHI led an energetic sequence into a match breakdown. ZSJ emerged from the chaos with control, which he used to submit BUSHI.

After the match, ZSJ and Tsuji had a quick scuffle.

House Of Torture (EVIL, Jack Perry, Ren Narita, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo), Shota Umino, Togi Makabe & YOH

This was an even more over-the-top HoT match than normal. After a runtime full of cheating, Kanemaru spat whiskey in Makabe’s face. EVIL then hit Everything is Evil, winning the match.

After the match, HoT continued to attack Hikuleo. The babyfaces ran them off, ending with a chokeslam to EVIL.

BULLET CLUB (Gabe Kidd, KENTA & Taiji Ishimori) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito)

This was a decent little preview for Shingo/Kidd while it lasted. Kidd’s reckless energy significantly increased my enjoyment of this match.

Hiromu and Ishimori also interacted extensively, teasing a more formal encounter. Ishimori won the match by hitting Hiromu with a low blow and trapping him in a quick pin.

New Japan Cup: David Finlay defeated Tanga Loa

This certainly was a match that happened—not a good match, but a match. Finlay didn’t look horrible, but he never looked good. Loa was horrible, on the other hand.

Loa jumped Finlay at the curtain before the match began. The brawl worked its way into the crowd, with Loa throwing Finlay into barricades and chairs. Once the match worked its way to the ring, Loa maintained the lead he established.

Finlay gained control by taking the match back to the floor. He returned the favor, driving Loa into the barricade and throwing him into the empty floor seats. Between the ropes, Finlay continued picking apart Loa.

When Loa regained the lead, he pushed Finlay back outside and slammed him back into the barricades. He dropped Finlay on the apron before taking the action back inside. During Loa’s follow-up, he fumbled a 619, went for it again, and still hit it in the most awkward way possible. Loa eventually hit a powerbomb for a nearfall.

A relatively high-impact back-and-forth followed. Finlay hit a headbutt and a powerbomb for a near fall. After the kickout, Finlay hit his new finish, “Overkill,” and pinned Loa to end this dreadful match.

Finlay advances to the quarter-finals. 

New Japan Cup: Hirooki Goto defeated Chase Owens

These first two rounds have been pretty bad, and this was another match worth avoiding.

Goto immediately took control, forcing Owens into the corner, and leveling him with heavy offense. In order to challenge Goto, Owens took the fight to the floor, using his environment to establish a lead. Back in the ring, Owens maintained his lead by working Goto on the mat.

Goto eventually hit Owens with a lariat to reset the match. Owens fought back, forcing Goto to hit him with more lariats. Owens answered him with a lariat of his own, knocking Goto to the mat.

Owens tried for C-trigger but missed. Goto followed up with ushigoroshi before initiating a strike exchange. Goto won out and locked Owens in a choke. Goto followed up with a GTW for a nearfall.

Owens tried for a rollup, but Goto kicked out. A short scramble followed, sending Goto to the floor. On the outside, Owens hit a swinging neckbreaker. Owens then removed the protective mat on the floor, exposing the concrete. Owens tried for a piledriver, but Goto reversed into a backdrop. Owens kept up the attack, brutalizing Goto’s arm. Back in the ring, Owens hit a C-trigger and a green killer for a pair of nearfalls.

Owens tried for something off the top, but Goto pulled him off, sending him crashing to the floor. Goto followed up with GTR for a nearfall. Goto then tried for Shoto, but Owens attacked the eyes.

Owens hit an enziguri and a C-trigger to put Goto back on the backfoot. He then landed another C-trigger into the ropes before attempting his piledriver. Goto slipped free and dropped Owens with a pair of headbutts. Goto then hit GTR and pinned Owens to win the match.

This match advances Goto to the quarters to face David Finlay. It also sets up a Bishamon tag title match down the line.

New Japan Cup 2024 night five live results: SANADA vs. YOSHI-HASHI

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The second round of the New Japan Cup begins today in Ehime. 

SANADA vs. YOSHI-HASHI is the headline tournament match, with the winner advancing to the final eight and the quarterfinals round. 

SANADA was one of four wrestlers to receive a first round bye in this year’s New Japan Cup, so Monday’s contest will be his first match of the tournament. YOSHI-HASHI defeated KENTA in an opening round contest back on March 6 to advance. 

Jack Perry faces Toru Yano in today’s other New Japan Cup tournament bout.

Perry defeated Shota Umino in his NJPW in-ring debut on the March 6 show to advance to the second round, while Yano beat Yujiro Takahashi by countout on the 6th to advance. 

The winners of today’s tournament matches will meet on March 16 in the quarterfinals at Dolphin’s Arena in Aichi.

Our coverage of today’s show begins at 6 am. Eastern time. 

Zack Sabre Jr. & Mikey Nicholls (TMDK) defeated Shoma Kato & Boltin Oleg

For a while now, Oleg has been presented as a step above his fellow Young Lions (deservingly), and this was no exception.

At the beginning of the match, TMDK picked Kato apart, basically without challenge. Oleg tagged in, completely reversing the momentum for the Young Lion pair. Eventually, the veterans proved too much, forcing a tag back to Kato. ZSJ and Nicholls were able to close the match quickly following the tag.

Yuya Uemura, Taichi, & DOUKI (Just 5 Guys) defeated El Desperado, Tomohiro Ishii, & Tomoaki Honma

This match for the first-round losers and people who weren’t even in the cup was little more than a meaningless card-filler.

DOUKI was the star of this match, initiating most of the interesting sequences. After going to battle with Ishii, DOUKI tagged out to Uemura, while Ishii tagged out to Honma. After a back-and-forth, that was far more competitive than it needed to be, Uemura hit a crossbody and forced Honma to tap with an armbar.

After the match, Ishii and DOUKI continued to trade strikes, perhaps setting up something down the road.

Chase Owens & KENTA (BULLET CLUB) defeated Hirooki Goto & Togi Makabe

This was a kind of preview for a Bishamon/BULLET CLUB title match. Oh boy.

Owens and KENTA opened the match by isolating Goto. Goto and Makabe fired back with a fight on the floor, but BC held on to control.

After an extended period of isolation, Goto tagged out to Makabe. This led to the most competitive sequence between the teams. KENTA won out and pinned Makabe to win the match.

After the match, the BULLET CLUB pair attacked Goto.

Shota Umino, Tanga Loa, & Jado defeated David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, & Gedo (BULLET CLUB War Dogs)

The War Dogs opened this match with a brawl. They gained full control of the match, which they maintained for most of this match’s runtime. The Babyfaces eventually launched a rally with a legal Umino and Gedo. Umino hit Gedo with Death Rider and won the match.

EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, & Ren Narita (BULLET CLUB House of Torture) defeated Hikuleo, El Phantasmo, YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi

HoT started the match by brawling with the babyfaces. The babyfaces won the initial scuffle, which they used to establish control over Yujiro. The babyfaces continued to find success for quite some time but eventually were overwhelmed by the usual HoT tactics. Eventually, SHO hit Taguchi with his pushup bar and the double cross to win the match.

After the match, HoT beat down Hikuleo with a pile of chairs.

Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, TJP, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan (United Empire) defeated BUSHI, Tetsuya Naito, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Yota Tsuji (Los Ingobernables de Japon)

This match opened with a few back-and-forths between individuals. Once the match broke down, UE emerged with control. This lasted until the second match breakdown, where LIJ came out ahead.

Takagi was in charge of maintaining control for LIJ. Once BUSHI tagged in, the match lost structure again, ending with O-Khan locking BUSHI in his abdominal stretch/iron claw submission to win the match.

New Japan Cup: Jack Perry defeated Toru Yano

This was a Yano match and a HoT match, complete with all the fixings (meaning it was bad).

Yano removed the corner pad immediately after following the opening bell. This backfired, allowing Perry to take the lead. Perry picked apart Yano, taking complete control with basic holds and moves.

When Yano looked to be gaining a lead, Perry resorted to underhanded tactics to maintain his lead. Eventually, Yano landed a suplex, which started a small rally. Yano threw Perry into the exposed corner multiple times, hit a couple of moves, and tried for a couple of quick pins to no avail.

HoT then ran to the ring and beat down Yano. Yano tried to hold off HoT but was pinned after Perry hit a knee. 

New Japan Cup: SANADA defeated YOSHI-HASHI

This was another forgettable main event. It was horribly uninteresting for 90% of it’s runtime but transitioning into a passable, but still formulaic, closing sequence.

The match opened with a YH taking SANADA to the mat, working the arm. SANADA fired back, taking control by also working holds on the mat. This back-and-forth continued to play out for some time.

Eventually, SANADA hit a dive to the floor. SANADA then took the fight back to the ring but failed to follow up, leading to another back-and-forth, this time with more substantial moves. YH actually won out, hitting a powerbomb before returning to holds.

SANADA ended YH’s control with a cutter from the fireman’s carry. He then tried for the skull end multiple times, but YH continuously escaped. SANADA eventually locked in the hold, which he maintained for an extended period of time. When SANADA attempted his follow-up moonsault, YH extended the knees, resetting the match.

After the reset, SANADA and YH traded strikes. SANADA hit a spinning neckbreaker to end YH’s attempt at a rally. He followed up with a pair of shining wizards and a rounding body press for a nearfall.

After kicking out, YH hit SANADA with a suplex and a lariat for another match reset. Another strike exchange followed. SANADA tried for a shinningwizard again but missed. YH hit a Meteora, which he followed with a sequence of bombs. Looking to close, YH tried for a suplex, but SANADA reversed. SANADA then hit deadfall and won the match.

SANADA advances to round three of the New Japan Cup to face Jack Perry—a Forbidden Door rematch.

New Japan Cup 2024 night four live results: Tsuji vs. Cobb

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The 2024 New Japan Cup continues today in Hyogo with the final opening round matches. 

Yota Tsuji faces Jeff Cobb in the headline bout on today’s show. 

Taichi takes on Ren Narita in the semi-main event. 

El Phantasmo vs. Mikey Nicholls is today’s other tournament match.

The winner of today’s main event will face the winner of Phantasmo vs. Nicholls on March 15. The Taichi/Narita winner will face Zack Sabre Jr. on the March 15 show. Sabre is one of four wrestlers who received byes into round two. 

The tournament will be whittled down to the final 16 competitors following today’s matches.

Five tag team matches round out today’s undercard, including a Los Ingobernables de Japon vs. United Empire eight-man bout, with LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI facing UE’s Great-O-Khan, TJP, Francesco Akira & Callum Newman. 

The show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, KENTA & Taiji Ishimori) defeated Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) & Tomoaki Honma

Bullet Club cheated, and the upcoming Goto/Owens match was teased throughout this match’s runtime. 

The babyfaces spent quite a bit of time on top, but we’re cut off by tandem attacks. Most of the Bullet Club offense was focused on Honma. After prolonged isolation, KENTA trapped him in a pin with his feet on the ropes to steal the win.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA & Yuya Uemura) defeated CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano) & Ryusuke Taguchi

Yano and Taguchi set the pace of this match from the beginning. After tons of chicanery, Ishii tagged in, leading to a competitive back and forth with DOUKI. Uemura then challenged Ishii, utilizing his arm drags to establish control.

Uemura and Ishii traded strikes in the center of the ring. Ishii overwhelmed Uemura, forcing a tag to SANADA and Taguchi. Taguchi, with Yano’s help, unloaded on SANADA, taking back control. Taguchi launched into a pinning spree, which backfired when SANADA caught him in one of his own. Taguchi failed to kick out, leaving J5G with the win.

Guerrillas Of Destiny (Hikuleo, Jado & Tanga Loa) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo)

The War Dogs started this match with a brawl. They cleared the ring of the babyfaces, establishing solid control. BC then worked to isolate Jado, keeping him away from his partners for minutes.

The eventual double tag led to a babyface rally. Loa gained quite a bit on Finlay. Once Finlay tagged out, the War Dogs hit the ring in an attempt to retake control, but he held them off on his own. Loa then hit Gedo with a knee strike to win the match.

El Desperado, Oleg Boltin, Shota Umino & YOH vs. House Of Torture (EVIL, Jack Perry, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi)

Before the match began, EVIL forced an announcer to call Jack Perry to the ring. Perry then replaced SHO in this match.

Unsurprisingly, this match opened with a HoT-initiated brawl. Oleg reversed momentum for his team in the ring before tagging out. Once Desperado established a more substantial lead, HoT rushed the ring, starting another brawl.

Once Umino tagged in, the match began to turn around for the babyfaces. HoT attempted to cheat their way back into control, but a match breakdown followed. The babyfaces maintained their lead through the chaos, leaving Umino free to unload on Yujiro. Umino locked in a crossface and held onto it through a distracted referee long enough to win the match.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan & TJP)

A full-fledged brawl kicked off this match. Once the match gained some order, UE had full control over Hiromu. 

Eventually, Naito tagged in and beat down O-Khan (who had spit on him during UE’s control). Naito uloaded on O-Khan and his backup before returning the favor, spitting on O-Khan multiple times.

A double tag to Shingo and Newman led to an athletic back-and-forth. The match broke down once both men exhausted each other, and everyone else hit the ring. Shingo emerged from the chaos, standing tall. He then dropped Newman with a pumping bomber and Made in Japan to win the match.

New Japan Cup: El Phantasmo defeated Mikey Nicholls

This match opened with a pro-longed feeling-out sequence. The pair began to trade forearms, leaving the stronger Nicholls in the driver’s seat. Nicholls then tossed ELP to the floor, where he continued his attack. Back in the ring, Nicholls continued his advance, virtually uncontested.

Eventually, ELP landed a kick, which opened the door for a methodical rally. ELP landed a pair of springboards for a nearfall. When Nicholls attempted to reverse momentum, ELP caught him with a DDT and a moonsault to the floor.

Nicholls powered up, ending ELPs steak of offense with a lariat. He then hit ELP with a superplex and a sitting lariat. Once ELP kicked out, Nicholls climbed to the top and attempted a moonsault, but ELP rolled out of the way.

With Nicholls on the back foot, ELP caught him with a burning hammer. Instead of going for the cover, he hit Nicholls with sudden death; Nicholls kicked out. Nicholls then attempted a quick pin, leading to a back-and-forth. After multiple roll-throughs, ELP successfully pinned Nicholls.

ELP advances to round two.

New Japan Cup: Ren Narita defeated Taichi

This match was about as unenjoyable as a match could be. Calling this underbooked would be a massive understatement. There were probably ten ref bumps, twelve run-ins, and thirty fouls.

Narita and Yoshinobu Kanemaru attacked Taichi before the match could begin. Taichi held them off before throwing Kanemaru to the floor. Boltin Oleg then ran to the ring, grabbed Kanemaru, and carried him to the back.

Once the bell sounded, Narita launched an attack on the outside of the ring. Narita threw Taichi onto the floor seats before attacking him with a chair. Taichi was then forced to beat the referee’s count. In the ring, Narita continued to pick apart Taichi.

After an extended period on the defense, Taichi caught Narita with a kick. A massive forearm from Taichi sent Narita crashing to the floor. On the outside, Taichi returned the favor, whipping Narita into the barricades and chairs.

Taichi grabbed Narita’s pushup bar, leading to a confrontation with the referee. With the referee distracted, Narita attempted a low blow, but Narita avoided it. Taichi dropped Narita and ripped off his breakaway pants.

Narita interrupted Taichi’s offense by pulling the referee in front of Taichi. This allowed Narita to lock in holds, reversing momentum. Narita then hit Taichi with a low blow and a German suplex for a nearfall.

After surviving Narita’s tactics, Taichi hit Narita with his own low blow. Taichi then locked in a hold in the middle of the ring, forcing Dick Togo to hit the ring. With the referee distracted, Narita tapped out, and Taichi broke the hold. Narita shoved Taichi into the referee, leading to a full-fledged attack from House of Torture.

Just 5 Guys eventually hit the ring to save Taichi. They cleared the ring of HoT and pulled the referee back in. Taichi then hit the Dangerous Suplex for a nearfall. Taichi hit another, but the count was interrupted by Jack Perry.

Perry tried for a running knee, but Taichi knocked him down with an axe bomber. Narita tried to hit Taichi with the pushup bar, but Taichi kicked it from his hands. Kanemaru then ran to the ring, spit whiskey in Taichi’s face, and hit him with the bottle. Narita closed the match by hitting the double cross and pinning Taichi.

Narita, and the rest of HoT, will be seen in the second round.

New Japan Cup: Yota Tsuji defeated Jeff Cobb

This was the comfortable match of the night and the only match I would recommend checking out. This was a very good match; the progression worked extremely well on a native level, and the action was a blast. Great.

A collar-and-elbow tie-up kicked off this match. This led to a strike battle that turned into shoulder blocks. Cobb bested the footballer with a tackle, forcing Tsuji into the corner.

Tsuji turned the match around with a rana from the top rope. He attempted a tope, but Cobb caught him and slammed him into the apron. On the outside, Cobb clubbed Tsuji with forearms before returning to the ring.

In the ring, Cobb maintained his dominance, tossing Tsuji around with ease. He slammed Tsuji into the corner and hoisted him to the top rope; Cobb then hit Tsuji with a gut-wrench suplex from the top, scoring a nearfall.

Cobb placed Tsuji back in the corner. This time, Tsuji caught Cobb with a stomp on the mat, opening the door for a rally. Tsuji hit a head scissor takedown to send Cobb to the floor, which Tsuji followed with a successful tope.

Back in the ring, Tsuji began to work over Cobb, busting his nose in the process. Tsuji attempted a curb stomp, but Cobb powered through, provoking Tsuji into a strike exchange. Tsuji won out and dropped Cobb with an STO.

Tsuji tried for the curb stomp again, but Cobb rolled out of the way. Cobb followed up with a moonsault, resetting the match in his favor.

Another back-and-forth strike battle began, with Tsuji winning out. This didn’t deter Cobb, leading to a slick exchange of finish attempts. Cobb attempted Tour of the Islands, but Tsuji slipped free. Tsuji tried for Gene Blast, but Cobb reversed into a powerbomb.

Cobb hit a spin cycle and an F5000 for a pair of nearfalls. Tsuji tried answering Cobb only to eat a lariat. Cobb then pierced Tsuji with a colossal spear for a convincing false finish.

Cobb, looking to finish, tried for the Aloha Maker. Tsuji avoided the attack, dropping Cobb with a headbutt. Tsuji then landed a curb stomp and pulled Cobb to the corner. Tsuji then planted Cobb with a curb stomp from the top rope and a Gene Blaster to win the match.