Tag: njpw road to destruction

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: NEVER Six-Man title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s trios titles are on the line in the main event of today’s Road to Destruction event at Korakuen Hall.

Toru Yano, Master Wato, and YOH defend the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship in the featured match, facing Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Desperado, and Ryusuke Taguchi.

A 10-man tag featuring faction versus faction is in the semi-main position, with TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita, and Hartley Jackson facing House of Torture’s SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, SANADA, DOUKI, and Ren Narita. Narita will challenge Sabre for the IWGP World Heavyweight title at Destruction in Kobe on September 28.

Four more multi-man tag bouts fill out today’s undercard, but Young Lions Tatsuya Matsumoto and Zane Jay will square off in today’s opener. Jay and Matsumoto have faced each other nine times, with each bout ending in a time limit draw.

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

**********

  • Zane Jay versus Tatsuya Matsumoto ended in a time-limit draw
  • Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask defeated Katsuya Murashima, Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato
  • Oleg Boltin, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura defeated House Of Torture
  • War Dogs defeated Daiki Nagai, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji
  • War Dogs defeated Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Tomohiro Ishii
  • House Of Torture defeated TMDK
  • Master Wato, Toru Yano & YOH (c) defeated El Desperado, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi

Main Card

Zane Jay versus Tatsuya Matsumoto ended in a time-limit draw

(Some promise between both men, sell-wise. Jay’s legs and Matsumoto’s left arm made for a bit of drama in this opener. I appreciated El Phantasmo and Chris Charlton mentioning the reason why Young Lions can’t wear elbow or knee pads until graduating and how it affects their in-ring.)

Both Young Lions wrestled to a stalemate. Jay grappled Matsumoto over his shoulder and worked his opponent’s left arm. He then moved onto Matsumoto’s leg for a period before returning to that arm. Matsumoto’s turn earned him a modicum of control over Jay’s leg as he locked in an Achilles’ Hold. A frantic crawl to the ropes broke Jay’s Fujiwara Armbar. Jay wrenched Matsumoto’s arm for a standard Armbar, which he couldn’t maintain. The pair brawled, with Jay’s forearm laying out Matsumoto. Overconfidently talking trash, Jay fell prey to a kneebar. Matsumoto followed this with a dropkick and a single-leg Boston Crab. Time ran out in the match, resulting in a draw.

Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma) & Tiger Mask defeated Katsuya Murashima, Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato

(Yasuda and Kato show promise, but man, Murashima stands out. Visually, his size gives it away, but the way he moves and delivers upon it is incredibly satisfying.)

Yasuda cornered Tiger Mask, throwing his right forearm to the chest. Tiger Mask kicked him in the midsection, with Honma capitalizing with a series of chest slaps. Kato overwhelmed the veteran with elbows. Tiger Mask clenched his fingers across Kato’s jaw in a fully-engaged Camel Clutch.

Murashima made the hot tag, quickly wore down Honma, and took down his partners. Makabe leaned on the turnbuckle in a daze as Murashima catapulted Kato and Yasuda into him. Honma and Tiger Mask softened Yasuda up for Makabe’s lariat, ultimately lending them the win.

Oleg Boltin, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo, Don Fale & EVIL)

(As a big Oleg Boltin fan, this felt more like a Yuya Uemura spectacle once his hot tag came around. He came across as unstoppable. It’s hard to not think of him as the future main character of New Japan Pro Wrestling.)

To no one’s surprise, House of Torture ambushed their opponents. This resulted in Fale initially getting the upper-hand on Boltin, but true to his nature, the Kazakh wrestler quickly gathered momentum. Naturally, interference by Fale’s partner quelled this. EVIL worked Boltin’s left arm, expertly crafting a Hammerlock hold.

Umino dropped EVIL to his knees and dropkicked Togo outside. He unwisely attempted to bodyslam the girthy Fale, but baited him over the top rope instead. EVIL faltered this comeback with an eye rake prior to uniting with Togo to render Umino flat on the mat. The fans rallied behind Uemura’s hot tag, cheering as he picked apart Togo. He transitioned a deep arm drag transitioned into an armbar to tap Togo out.

Post-match: Fale and EVIL bullied Umino and Boltin. A level-headed Umino held Boltin back.

War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Gedo & Taiji Ishimori) defeated Daiki Nagai, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji

(Almost a nothingburger, yet still fun to watch. I say almost, as the storytelling with Takagi, Takahashi, and Tsuji riding with Nagai quietly continued. The Young Lion had a fiery display that had this underdog charm.)

The War Dogs swarmed the Unafilliated group to the outside, with Finlay and Tsuji starting things off in the ring. Fortunately for Tsuji, Takahashi joined him, allowing himself to be planted on a horizontal Finlay. Ishimori spun Takahashi over his shoulders so swiftly that each man staggered dizzily. Gedo took advantage of Takahashi’s vulnerability, which almost resulted in Takahashi “tagging in” Finlay. Ishimori cut Takahashi from his partners more by laying him out and kicking him down onto the mat.

In a flash, Takahashi recovered, pouncing Ishimori so he could make a tag. Takagi met Kidd in the ring’s center atop the NJPW logo as they traded forearms and chops. Outside the ring, Kidd blasted Takagi with an Orihara Moonsault. Nagai plummetted Kidd with a Spinebuster, following suit with a Boston Crab. Tsuji came ot his aid amid a Finlay interruption, leaving the Young Lion alone with the bald War Dog. Kidd dismantled Nagai with a piledriver and a Drilla Killa, delivering the War Dogs a victory.

War Dogs (Clark Connors, OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) defeated Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Tomohiro Ishii

(As a vehicle to sell the importance of Yuto-Ice and OSKAR’s return to NJPW, this did its job. Their Shawn Michaels/Diesel dynamic immediately helps them fit into the War Dogs.)

Yuto-Ice and OSKAR battered Ishii. Connors grabbed a tire from under the ring. Ishii charged at Connors after momentarily gaining control, only to be lsammed onto it. Further adding agony to the Stone Pitbull, Connors choked him with a chain necklace.

Ishii found the spirit to fire back, suplexing OSKAR for a Taichi tag. Yuto-Ice ignorantly traded kicks with Taichi, with the latter benefitting from the exchange. OSKAR foiled this comeback with a bodyslam; Ishii and Michinoku were equalized by the reach of his kicks. Yuto-Ice and OSKAR ragebaited Taichi. Ishii attempted to save him, but Connors dragged him outside for a beatdown. Taichi began another comeback with a lariat to Yuto-Ice. Michinoku tagged in, suffering the illegal Connors; his knee sent the War Dog rolling to ringside.

Michinoku suffered a Penalty Kick via Yuto-Ice. Taichi had to be choked out. OSKAR held Ishii up for a kick from Yuto-Ice. The pair finished things off with a K.O.B. to Michinoku as Yoto-Ice pressed on him for the pinfall.

House Of Torture (DOUKI, Ren Narita, SANADA, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles, Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr.)

(For better or worse, ZSJ and Narita are wrestling soulmates; I think they’ll be doing this as “forever” as possible.)

Narita insulted TMDK and the Tokyo crowd for quite an extended period until Eagles told him to shut up. When the bell rang, Eagles unleashed an agile and spirited front. Fujita allied with him to keep not only Narita at bay, but an interfering Takahashi as well. Oiwa planted Takahashi with a Brainbuster. Jackson joined him for some short-range splashes on the tenderized Takahashi.

House of Torture dragged the TMDK members across Korakuen Hall, isolating them for their own specific beatdowns. Sabre engaged in a technical display against Narita, each man speedily countering the other. Narita escaped a Cobra Twist by fingering Sabre’s eyes. The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion’s slaps weren’t enough to break a leg hold, leading to him humbly yet bitterly reaching for a rope break. Jackson, now legal, charged inwith the full force of his indomitable body.

DOUKI incapacitated Jackson before handing the baton to SHO before they both fell victim to the energetic Eagles and Fujita. Oiwa cancelled SANADA’s guitar shot and paid the price with a cane to the back by Takahashi. Narita chopped him down like a tree with a Hell’s Guillotine for the victory.

Post-match: Narita and Sabre brawled across Korakuen Hall’s arena. In whole, House of Torture assaulted all of TMDK, leaving no survivors.

Main Event

Master Wato, Toru Yano & YOH (c) defeated El Desperado, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi for the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship

(Taguchi brought all the levity that Yano otherwise would’ve shared. He brought his comedic A-game, from the mortified look at Desperado’s back to accidentally slamming Tanahashi’s face into his bottom in repetition for a gut-bustingly long time. Yano’s crash out was surreal to watch, and it reflected in the crowd’s unsettled reaction. Outside of all that, this trios match was a blast to witness. Watch for the action and the storyline threads coming out of it.)

During the challengers’ entrance, Taguchi appeared hilariously appalled by the horrifying visage of Desperado’s heavily scarred back.

Desperado tangled with YOH, with the former getting the better of each exchange. YOH scrambled away from Desperado’s clutches and escaped with a Neckbreaker to his masked opponent. Yano, annoyed, met Tanahashi in a stalemate. The Ace and his partners overwhelmed Yano. Taguchi mistakenly hit Tanahashi with his Funky Weapon, exposing his underwear doing so, thinking he was attacking Yano. YOH wound up a haymaker during this, but Taguchi did this for so long that he just gave up and watched.

Taguchi ran the ropes with his pants around his knees, somehow managing to down YOH and clutch him for an Ankle Lock. At last, he pulled his pants up. Tanahashi wrapped his legs around Wato’s, leaving him writhing into a rope break. Taguchi teased an attack to Wato’s nether regions, but instead tied him into a figure four leglock. Tanahashi further weakened Wato’s knee on the rope. All three challengers ganged up on Wato’s prone body.

(Tonight’s Road to Destruction show did all it needed to for a Road To show. The matches were concise, fully aware of what they needed to be.)

YOH fired back with dropkicks to everyone on the opposing team. His plancha left Desperado reeling outside. Desperado swung a comeback for his team with some knees and a side suplex, but YOH’s Falcon Arrow spun the match back in his favor. Removing the pad, Yano sent Tanahashi into an exposed turnbuckle, yet failed to powerbomb the Ace. Tanahashi earned a moment of respite with a Slingblade. Taguchi gave trouble to Wato with hip attacks, but YOH collaborated with Wato for a combined suplex. Yano stopped a double Canadian Destroyer via Taguchi and Desperado.

The challengers charged at Wato in the corner. Taguchi struck him iwth a Bomaye while Tanahashi flew over the top to the champions on the outside. Wato survived a series of rolleups for a bridged suplex pin that bore no fruit. An exhausted and anguished Wato devastated Taguchi with a Recientemente for the pinfall.

Post-match: Yano assaulted Tanahashi. He dragged him to the outside, slamming him into the barricade, battering him with chairs. The crowd grew silent and still as they parted from their seats amid the carnage. The Ace was dragged to the outside. Desperado, YOH, and Wato watched awkwardly as Taguchi lay still, probably unsure of what just happened. YOH and Desperado shared a staredown, teasing their match on September 24.

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: NEVER Six-Man title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

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

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

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

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

Today’s undercard:

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

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

**********

Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano defeated Masatora Yasuda & Daiki Nagai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HENARE won with a Full-Nelson lock to BUSHI.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: IWGP Junior title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

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

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

Today’s undercard:

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

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

**********

Kickoff

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

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

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

Main Show

Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato

Tiger Mask pinned Kato after a Tiger Suplex.

Francesco Akira defeated TAKA Michinoku

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

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

SANADA & Taichi defeated Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.

SANADA won via a Deadfall on Zack Sabre Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Main Event

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

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

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

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

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

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: HENARE vs. Hiromu NEVER title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

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

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

Today’s undercard:

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

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

**********

Kickoff

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

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

Main Show

Jakob Austin Young defeated Shoma Kato

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHO & Ren Narita defeated Jado & Shota Umino

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

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

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

Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd defeated Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku defeated Taiji Ishimori & Gedo

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAIN EVENT

HENARE defeated Hiromu Takahashi for the NEVER Openweight Championship

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

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

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

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

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

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: Cobb vs. Tsuji TV title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

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

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

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

Today’s undercard:

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

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

**********

Daiki Nagai defeated Masatora Yasuda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Ren Narita defeated Jado & Shota Umino

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

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

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

Jake Lee & Gabe Kidd defeated Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taiji Ishimori & Gedo defeated DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi defeated HENARE & Francesco Akira

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title matches set for NJPW Destruction 2024

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW has booked a slate of title matches for the promotion’s next tour.

Following the G1 Climax, NJPW is set to embark on its Destruction tour next month. It will culminate with Destruction in Kobe being held on Sunday, September 29. The first two matches have now been announced for the show:

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito defends against Great-O-Khan
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion David Finlay defends against YOSHI-HASHI

Great-O-Khan was positioned for this title shot by defeating Naito during the G1 Climax. On the undercard for the G1 Finals, YOSHI-HASHI pinned Finlay in a six-man tag match, setting himself up as Finlay’s next challenger.

This is Naito’s first title defense since regaining the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from Jon Moxley at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. The winner of Naito vs. Great-O-Khan will defend the belt against G1 winner Zack Sabre Jr. at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling this October.

Finlay is a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion during the title’s brief existence. He made a successful defense against SANADA this June.

In addition to these two matches, NJPW also has several title bouts set to take place on the Road to Destruction tour:

  • Sunday, September 8: NJPW World Television Champion Jeff Cobb defends against Yota Tsuji
  • Monday, September 9: NEVER Openweight Champion HENARE defends against Hiromu Takahashi
  • Wednesday, September 11: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion DOUKI defends against Taiji Ishimori
  • Saturday, September 14: NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Oleg Boltin defend against EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: Two title matches

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Two titles are on the line today at Korakuen Hall on night two of the NJPW Road to Destruction tour. 

Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Tomohiro Ishii will try for their second defense of the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship as they defend against Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, and Tiger Mask. 

The second title bout is newly added to the lineup, as Zack Sabre Jr. will defend the NJPW World TV Championship for a second consecutive night. After last night’s bout was changed from Sabre vs. Boltin Oleg to Sabre vs. Ryohei Oiwa due to an injury to Oleg, Sabre challenged Satoshi Kojima for today’s event. 

The show’s main event is an elimination match between Los Ingobernables De Japon and United Empire. 

The card: 

  • Elimination match: Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI) vs. United Empire (Will Ospreay, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, HENARE & Callum Newman)
  • NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii defend vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask
  • NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. defends vs. Satoshi Kojima
  • SANADA, Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. EVIL, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Toru Yano, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs Bad Dude Tito, Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls
  • Tomoaki Honma, Shota Umino, Master Wato & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Ren Narita & Yuto Nakashima
  • YOH & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

YOH & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku

This was a by-the-book opening tag, nothing worth seeking out. After a few back-and-forths, YOH and Taguchi hit TAKA with a tandem double-knee facebreaker. 

Tomoaki Honma, Master Wato, Shota Umino, & Yuji Nagata defeated Yuto Nakashima, El Desperado, Ren Narita, & Minoru Suzuki

Fantastic match, this.

This match was all about individual rivals; Suzuki and Nagata spent as much time as possible brawling, Ren and Shota took shots at each other as soon as there was an opportunity, Wato and Desperado were the in-ring focus, and Honma bullied Nakashima because he didn’t have anything better to do.

In the end, young lion Nakashima ate the Shota’s death rider, leaving Shota with a win. Even after the closing bell, the fighting continued, setting up the best-of-seven series starting tomorrow. 

Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, & Hirooki Goto defeated Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste, & Bade Dude Tito

Due to Boltin Oleg’s wrist infection, he and ZSJ were pulled from this match.

TMDK worked a standard heel match here before Yano involved himself. After the Yano silliness, Tito and Goto traded momentum. Ultimately, Goto would win out, hitting Tito with Shoto to secure victory.

SHO, EVIL, & Yujiro Takahashi vs. SANADA, Taichi, & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This opened with a brawl initiated by Just 5 Guys, not allowing H.o.T. to strike. While entering the ring, Kanemaru blew out his knee. After carting off Kanemaru, H.O.T. continued the attack, forcing DOUKI to make the save. The match would then restart with DOUKI taking Kanemaru’s place.

SHO, EVIL, & Yujiro Takahashi defeated SANADA, Taichi, & DOUKI.

This match, even with its unfortunate start, was fun for a H.o.T affair.

DOUKI matched the early energy set by J5G and then some. DOUKI scored a nearfall on EVIL with a DOUKI-chokie, but his follow-up was stopped by a Dick Togo chair shot. EVIL then landed Everything is Evil to win the match.

NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) defeated Satoshi Kojima

This fill-in match, unsurprisingly, was terrific.

Both men worked a fantastically focused match here, with Kojima’s offense being immediately impactful and ZSJ’s being as slick as ever. The back-and-forth sequence in the last stretch of the match was phenomenal, with Kojima nailing ZSJ with everything in his tank before being caught in a ZSJ triangle. ZSJ won with the hold to retain his belt.

Tomohiro Ishii, Hiroshi Tanahashi, & Kazuchika Okada (c) defeated Tiger Mask, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, & Togi Makabe

Was this a crisp masterpiece? No. Was it a sloppy hoot that’s totally worth seeking out? Absolutely.

2023 has been the year of hateful Okada, and this match was no exception. Okada’s confidence actually allowed the veteran squad in the door after TM IV landed a massive arm drag from the top rope. A veteran-led exchange followed. Tenzan, whose ability was a focal point throughout this match, allowed the veterans’ control to slip, eventually leading to an extended offensive sequence at his expense.

A late veteran rally helped Tenzan regain footing. With Ishii alone in the ring, TM landed a Tiger Driver, Makabe a King Kong Knee, and Tenzan a headbutt. This scored Tenzan a nearfall. Tenzan then climbed to the top rope, but Okada pulled him down and landed a German suplex to a chorus of boos, re-asserting control for the champions. In the end, Ishii dropped Tenzan with a brainbuster to win the match and retain the belts.

Callum Newman, HENARE, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Will Ospreay defeated BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takahi, & Tetsuya Naito

This was an elimination match, with eliminations occurring by pin, submission, or over-the-top rope falls.

This match was filled to the brim with action, with a bunch of neat moments spread throughout. It filled the main event role exceptionally well. A great match.

The early portion of this match was focused around Ospreay. After interacting with all of the other LIJ members in the match, Ospreay dropped Hiromu with a boot, signaling for the rest of UE to clear the ring. From here on, UE worked to isolate Hiromu, gaining a significant advantage.

Eventually, Naito tagged in, leading to a showcase for the Naito/Cobb match to come. After that interaction ended, an influx of wrestlers tagged in and out, leading to multiple shifts in momentum.

Shingo scored the first elimination in this match by dropping Newman with a pumping bomber. The next eliminations followed soon after, as O-Khan eliminated Shingo and himself with an eliminator to the apron, which sent both men to the floor. BUSHI was next to score an elimination by throwing HENARE over the top. The fun for BUSHI ended once Ospreay entered the ropes, as a quick hidden blade resulted in a pin.

Ospreay and Tsuji came to blows for an extended period. The pair soon found themselves on the apron, where Tsuji scored an elimination with a curb stomp. This curb stomp also eliminated Tsuji in what was nothing short of a great sequence.

With the rest of his team eliminated, Cobb was left alone with Naito and Hiromu. Cobb was quick to even the score by catching Hiromu and powerbombing him to the floor. Cobb then went to war with Naito, eventually fighting onto the apron. On the edge of the ring, the pair went back and forth before a sudden dropkick sent Naito crashing to the ground. Cobb has won the match for his team heading into Destruction.

NJPW Road to Destruction live results: TV title match

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s Road to Destruction tour kicks off today with an NJPW World TV Championship match. 

In the show’s co-main event, Zack Sabre Jr. will defend the NJPW World TV title against Boltin Oleg. As with all TV title bouts, the match will have a 15 minute time limit. 

In the other half of the main event, SANADA & Taichi of Just Five Guys will team against EVIL & SHO of Bullet Club’s House of Torture. 

The full card: 

  • SANADA & Taichi vs. EVIL & SHO
  • NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. defends against Boltin Oleg
  • Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, HENARE & Callum Newman
  • Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Yuto Nakashima vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask
  • Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano vs. Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito
  • Yuji Nagata, Shota Umino, Master Wato & Oskar Leube vs. Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, El Desperado & Tomoaki Honma
  • Ryusuke Taguchi & YOH vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated YOH & Ryusuke Taguchi

This was just a silly tag to kick off the tour. 

Taguchi paid tribute to Funk by attempting a spinning toe hold, but Kanemaru reversed into a pin. Taguchi kicked out, but followed up with another cross-leg pin to snag the win.

Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, El Desperado, Tomoaki Honma defeated Shota Umino, Master Wato, Oskar Leube, & Yugi Nagata

This fantastic tag excited me for the rest of the tour. Nagata and Suzuki together will never get old, and Ren and Umino are one of my favorite pairings in the company.

After an intense staredown before the opening bell, Nagata and Suzuki traded blows; even after tagging out, the pair continued to brawl. Ren and Umnio also engaged in passionate attacks when the opportunity was presented.

Leube locking in a Boston crab initiated both teams hitting the ring, clearing the stage for the finish. After missing a leg drop, Leube ate a suplex from Ren before submitting to the cobra twist.

Bad Dude Tito, Shane Haste, & Mikey Nicholls defeated Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, & Hirooki Goto

This was a fine-at-best six-man. 

There was quite a bit of unimpactful action, with a couple of Yano segments intermixed. The match finished when Haste and Nicholls hit Yano with an assisted fireman’s carry into a double suplex.

No Contest: Yuto Nakashima, Tomohiro Ishii, Hiroshi Tanahashi, & Kazuchika Okada vs. Tiger Mask, Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima, & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This match, given its lineup, over-delivered. The veteran quartet played their role exceptionally well, while the dream team (plus Nakashima) were great as always. It’s not a great match, but a fun one.

It opened with a brawl, leaving Tenzan and Ishii alone to trade strikes. Okada and Kojima also exchanged licks in the ring before giving Nakashima a chance to shine. There were some sloppy exchanges, especially after the late match breakdown, but everyone, even TM IV, looked good in this match at some point.

The match ended as the late brawl failed to resolve, even with the referee’s interference, resulting in a no-contest. The fight continued after the ruling, with Tenzan and Ishii as the main focal points.

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

This was a by-the-book early tour showcase tag, but Newman was given the opportunity to shine.

It didn’t take long for the match to spill outside of the ring, with the teams fighting in the crowd. Back in the ropes, newcomer Newman showed off his speed against Hiromu. The match eventually broke down again, with both teams hitting the ring until only Newman and Tsuji were left alone. Tsuji caught Newman with one of the prettiest spears I’ve ever seen to win the match.

NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) defeated Ryohei Oiwa

Oleg Boltin was pulled from this match due to an infection. Oiwa, with Kaito Kiyomiya in his corner, was his replacement.

Oiwa opened the match by whipping ZSJ into the barricades, gaining an early lead. ZSJ gained advantage by securing the arm and whipping it into the barricade himself. From here on, ZSJ maintained this game plan, focusing the arm. After minutes of ZSJ control, Oiwa attempted a rally, only for ZSJ to catch his arm and force a submission.

After the match, Kaito and ZSJ had a brief staredown.

This win leaves ZSJ as the winningest champion in modern history, with 13 defences. 

EVIL & SHO defeated SANADA & Taichi 

This was an awful main event. 

EVIL and SHO came to the ring with the IWGP World and KOPW belts, which they stole from Taichi and SANADA. EVIL also has new merch celebrating his reign as the 8th IWGP World champion, ignoring the statement’s falsehood.

The match opened with SHO fleeing to the floor. On the outside, Taichi whipped SHO into the barricade before returning to the ring. From here, the typical H.o.T.isms filled the match. Padless turnbuckles, eye rakes, and environmental offense were the focus.

With a downed referee, EVIL dropped Taichi with a low blow. SHO followed up with a wrench shot. EVIL then hit SANADA with the IWGP belt and Everything is Evil to win the match.

After the match, the attack continued. DOUKI and Kanemaru made the save. EVIL and SHO left with their stolen belts.

Best-of-seven series booked for NJPW Road to Destruction

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A best-of-seven series is set to take place during NJPW’s Road to Destruction tour next month.

Off the heels of their 20 minute draw during the G1 Climax tournament, Ren Narita and Shota Umino will team against one another in a best-of-seven six-man tag team matches through the NJPW Road to Destruction tour, which starts on September 10 in Togane. Narita will team with Minoru Suzuki and El Desperado to take on Umino, Master Wato, and Yuji Nagata.

The other six matches will take place September 17 in Fukuoka, Nagoya on the 25th, Korakuen Hall on the 30th & October 1, October 7 in Miyagi, and the final match will take place at Destruction in Ryogoku on October 9 at Sumo Hall.

Here is the updated card for the October 9 Destruction event at Sumo Hall:

Destruction in Ryogoku on Monday, October 9 lineup:

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA defends against EVIL
  • NEVER Openweight Champion David Finlay defends against Tama Tonga
  • Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions Gabe Kidd & Alex Coughlin defend against El Phantasmo & Hikuleo
  • Shota Umino, Master Wato, and Yuji Nagata vs. Ren Narita, Minoru Suzuki, and El Desperado

NJPW Road to Destruction results: LIJ vs. White & Fale

Posted on by Ethan Renner

NJPW continued their Road to Destruction tour today in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, the second of three straight nights in the building. 

The show featured two Young Lion Cup tournament bouts, along with a collection of tag matches previewing the key matches on the Destruction shows later in the tour. 

Here are full results and match recaps:

YOUNG LION CUP MATCH: MICHAEL RICHARDS DEFEATED YUYA UEMURA 

Richards used a side headlock takeover, but Uemura made it back to his feet quickly. Uemura worked a wristlock from mount position, but Richards slipped back to the side headlock. 

Richards got a knockdown off a shoulder tackle. He hit a chop, then a clothesline in the corner for a nearfall. They traded strikes. Uemura hit a couple of dropkicks, then used a series of stomps in the corner. 

Uemura hit a scoop slam, then applied a full crab. Richards showed good fire as he crawled to the ropes for a break. Uemura hit a series of forearm shots, but Richards cut him off with a lariat. 

Richards used a vertical suplex for a two count. He tried for a crab of his own. Uemura fought him off with slaps, but Richards got the hold applied. Uemura fought his way to the ropes, forcing a break. 

Richards got the hold re-applied, and Uemura tapped out.

YOUNG LION CUP MATCH: REN NARITA DEFEATED KARL FREDERICKS

This followed the same pattern as the night before, with the opening bout focusing on technical wrestling and the second match feeling more like a brawl. 

They exchanged hard palm strikes to the chest. Fredericks hit a scoop slam for a nearfall, then hit some stomps. Fredericks used a chinlock, then hit a back elbow. Fredericks hit a splash in the corner, then used an elbow drop for a nearfall. 

Fredericks missed on a charge into the corner, and Narita followed up with a shotgun dropkick. Narita hit a back elbow, then used a vertical suplex for a two count. 

Narita tried for an overhead belly-to-belly, but Fredericks fought it off and hit a spinebuster. Fredericks applied a single-leg crab, but Narita reached the ropes. 

Fredericks hit the ropes, but ran into an overhead belly-to-belly. Narita got a single-leg crab applied. Fredericks reached the ropes, but Narita kept the hold applied on the break. Narita rolled through into a Narita Special, a modified sharpshooter. Fredericks tapped out. Very solid work from both guys. 

SATOSHI KOJIMA, CLARK CONNORS & ALEX COUGHLIN DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN, SHOTA UMINO & YOTA TSUJI

Tenzan and Kojima began, trading chops. Umino and Connors tagged in for a nice exchange, with both hitting shoulder tackles. 

Coughlin and Tsuji got tags. They traded some chops. Coughlin used a scoop slam to get the advantage, then his team used a series of quick tags, working over Tsuji. Coughlin used an Indian deathlock, but Tenzan broke it up. 

Coughlin then worked a chinlock, but Tsuji reached the ropes. Coughlin hit stomps and chops, but Tsuji came back with a dropkick, then tagged Tenzan. Tenzan hit Mongolian chops on Coughlin, then hit a brainbuster for a nearfall. 

Tenzan hit some headbutts. Coughlin fired back with chops. Tenzan hit a right hand for a nearfall. Coughlin hit a dropkick, and both tagged out. 

Umino and Connors got tags. Umino went crazy with elbow strikes and a dropkick. He hit a vertical suplex for a nearfall. Umino went for a fisherman buster, but Connors blocked it. Connors hit a spear. This exchange was the highlight of the match. 

Kojima and Tsuji got tags. Kojima hit machine gun chops in the corner. He teased a top rope elbow, but Tsuji cut him off. Umino and Tenzan cleared the apron, then jumped in for a triple team. Tsuji covered Kojima, but Connors and Coughlin saved. 

Kojima hit a Koji Cutter for a nearfall, then connected with a lariat for the pin. 

Umino and Coughlin continued fighting on the floor after the bell. 

TOMOHIRO ISHII, YOSHI-HASHI & TOA HENARE DEFEATED TAMA TONGA, TANGA LOA & CHASE OWENS 

Bullet Club attacked before the opening bell. Loa and Tonga doubled up on YH in the ring, and Jado hit him with a kendo stick from the floor for good measure. Ishii came in for the save, and Ishii and YH cleaned house. 

Order was restored, and Henare and Owens tagged in. Henare hit a shoulder tackle. Owens sent Henare to the floor, then hit a dropkick through the ropes. Loa tagged in and hit a vertical suplex. Tonga tagged in and hit a slingshot senton. 

Ishii entered illegally, and Tonga hit him with a dropkick. Henare hit a Samoan drop off the distraction, then tagged YH. YH hit a bunker buster. He hit a dropkick as Tonga was draped over the ropes, picking up a two count. 

Ishii tagged in for a double team. Loa jumped in to even things up. Bullet Club triple-teamed Ishii. Henare jumped in. Owens hit him with a Jewel Heist. 

Ishii and Owens ended up being the legal men. Owens used a cradle for a nearfall, then hit a running knee strike for another. He tried for a package piledriver, but YH cut him off with a lariat. Ishii hit a brainbuster and pinned Owens. 

EL PHANTASMO, TAIJI ISHIMORI & YUJIRO TAKAHASHI DEFEATED WILL OSPREAY, ROBBIE EAGLES & TOMOAKI HONMA  

We’ve only gotten glimpses of what Ospreay and Eagles can do as a team, and I can’t wait to see them unleashed in a two-on-two situation. 

Ospreay and ELP began with a great sequence. ELP flipped out of a hurricanrana, then hit a springboard rana. Ospreay hit a shoulder tackle. Eagles got a tag and hit a double stomp off the top to ELP’s left arm as Ospreay held it. 

Honma got a tag. He hit a scoop slam, then connected on a kokeshi. Yujiro cut him off from the apron with a kick, then pulled him outside. Yujiro used his cane as a weapon, choking Honma. Back inside, Ishimori and ELP worked over Honma’s neck. 

ELP used a back rake. Ishimori and ELP then hit a tandem back rake off the top rope. Honma came back with a brainbuster on Ishimori. Eagles got a tag. He hit Ishimori with a springboard dropkick to the leg. 

ELP came in for an illegal double team, but Eagles hit him with a wall flip kick. Ospreay came in, and Eagles and Ospreay hit stereo kicks in the corner. Ospreay hit an enzuigiri on Ishimori. While ELP and Eagles brawled to the floor, Ishimori hit Ospreay with a poison rana. 

Honma and Yujiro tagged in. Honma hit a bulldog, a kokeshi, then hit a lariat for a nearfall. 

Eagles and Ospreay sent Ishimori and ELP to the floor, then jumped in to triple up on Yujiro. Eagles hit a dive, but the camera missed it. 

Honma went for a kokeshi off the middle rope, but he missed. He tried a diving kokeshi, but he missed again. Yujiro hit a fisherman buster for a nearfall, then used Pimp Juice for the pin. 

HIROSHI TANAHASHI, RYUSUKE TAGUCHI, SHO & YOH DEFEATED MINORU SUZUKI, ZACK SABRE JR., YOSHINOBU KANEMARU & DOUKI

This was a lot of fun. An all-action match. 

Suzuki-gun attacked before the bell. Suzuki and Taguchi stayed in the ring. Suzuki tried for a PK, but Taguchi caught the kick and hit a hip attack. SHO, YOH and Tanahashi jumped in for the four-on-one clothesline spot in the corner.

They teased sending Suzuki head-first into Taguchi’s butt as Taguchi stood on the buckle. The rest of Suzuki-gun made the save for Suzuki. Taguchi tried to offer Suzuki his rugby helmet, but Suzuki declined and they fought into the crowd.

Suzuki used a chair on YOH, then hit Taguchi with the chair. Sabre used an armbar on Tanahashi’s left arm then stomped on it. They teased a countout, but Taguchi made it back in at 19. 

Suzuki used a kneebar. SHO jumped in and forced him to give up the hold, but Suzuki-gun retained the advantage. Suzuki tried to kneebar the referee. Sabre tagged in and used an armbar on Taguchi. 

DOUKI got a tag and continued the beatdown on Taguchi. Kanemaru tagged in and hit a dropkick for a nearfall. Kanemaru hit an atomic drop, but Taguchi came back with a hip attack. 

Sabre and Tanahashi got tags. Tanahashi hit a crossbody off the second. YOH and Kanemaru jumped in, and Tana and YOH hit tandem dragon screws. 

Sabre got a triangle choke applied, but Tanahashi reversed it into a cloverleaf. He transitioned to an armbar, but Sabre forced a rope break. SHO tagged in and Sabre immediately cut him off with a wristlock. DOUKI got a tag, and DOUKI and SHO exchanged strikes. 

SHO hit a spear. He went for a deadlift German, but Suzuki, Sabre, and Kanemaru all jumped in to block him. Sabre hit a PK, while DOUKI hit a double stomp off the top rope for a nearfall. 

While the other six men brawled outside, DOUKI used a jawbreaker for a nearfall. Taguchi broke up the pin, then went back to brawling on the floor. 

DOUKI went for Suplex de la Luna, but Taguchi saved. Everyone jumped in and hit a move. SHO hit a backstabber on DOUKI, and YOH hit him with a one-legged dropkick. DOUKI used a schoolboy on SHO for a nearfall. 

SHO and YOH hit the 3K on DOUKI, and SHO got the pin. Tanahashi and Taguchi played air guitar on their belts after the match. 

KAZUCHIKA OKADA, HIROOKI GOTO & ROCKY ROMERO DEFEATED SANADA, SHINGO TAKAGI & BUSHI

This was another good all-action bout. 

Okada hit a shoulder tackle. He teased a Rainmaker, but SANADA countered into a Skull End tease. Okada fought it off, then hit a dropkick. Romero got a tag and hit forever clotheslines in the corner. 

BUSHI jumped in, and Romero sent him outside with a hurricanrana. He tried for a rana on Shingo, but Shingo caught him and SANADA nailed him with a dropkick. Okada jumped in for the save, but SANADA put him in the Paradise Lock. SANADA sent Okada to the floor with a dropkick, and BUSHI and SANADA continued working over Romero. 

Shingo tagged in and hit a vertical suplex. Romero came back with a hurricanrana, then tagged Goto. Goto hit a wheel kick and a Saito suplex on Shingo for a two count. Shingo hit his own Saito suplex. Goto ducked a Pumping Bomber, and Shingo and Goto hit simultaneous lariats, into a double down. 

After a tag, BUSHI hit a missile dropkick, and SANADA cleared the apron. LIJ went three-on-one on Goto. SANADA and BUSHI hit tandem dropkicks. BUSHI went for an MX, but Goto avoided it. Romero hit BUSHI with a lariat. SANADA hit a dropkick to Romero. Okada ate a dragon screw from Shingo and rolled outside. 

Goto and BUSHI were left the legal men. Goto hit an ushigoroshi, then hit a GTR for the pin. 

TETSUYA NAITO & EVIL DEFEATED JAY WHITE & BAD LUCK FALE

This was sloppy in spots and didn’t have the heat of a really good Korakuen Hall main event. 

LIJ got the early advantage. Naito sent White outside with a hurricanrana, then teased a dive, but he hit his Tranquilo pose instead. Naito tried for a combinacion on White in the corner, but Fale cut him off from the floor and the match turned into a ringside brawl. 

Fale sent EVIL and Naito into the barricade, while White mocked Naito’s pose in the ring. They teased a countout, but Naito made it back in at 18. Fale got a tag and stomped on Naito, then stood on his back. 

White got a tag and tossed Naito outside. He sent him into the barricade and the ring frame. Fale and White traded tags, working over Naito. Fale missed an elbow drop, and Naito hit a dropkick to Fale’s legs, allowing him to tag out. 

EVIL hit Fale with lariats. He tried for a slam, but White came in for the illegal double team. Fale missed a charge into the corner. EVIL hit White with a lariat, then hit a bulldog on Fale. Fale cut him off with a shoulder tackle. 

White got a tag and hit a Saito suplex, then used a Blade Buster for a two count. White went for a DVD, but EVIL blocked it. EVIL hit a ref-assisted mid kick, then tagged out. 

Naito hit White with strikes, a rana, then a dropkick. Naito hit a neckbreaker, then used a crucifix hold. Fale broke it up, but Naito remained in control. Naito teased a top rope frankensteiner, but White crotched him on the top. 

Naito missed on a flying forearm, and White hit him with a uranage. Fale got a tag. He hit a splash in the corner, then used a big splash on the mat for a two count. 

Fale teased a Grenade, but EVIL saved. White jumped in, and EVIL hit him with Darkness Falls. Naito hit a tornado DDT on Fale. Fale sent Naito into the referee. Gedo jumped in with brass knuckles, but Naito ducked them. 

White came in with a chair, but EVIL fought him off with his own chair. EVIL hit a con-chair-to on Fale. Naito hit Destino on Fale for the pin. 

Naito cut a promo after the match, teasing the idea of a double title match at the Tokyo Dome. He mentioned Ibushi and said that they both want to be a double champion. Ibushi would have to win the title first, but it’s an interesting possibility.