SEScoops

Category: NJPW

  • WALTER Announced for Rev Pro/NJPW Global Wars 2018

    WALTER Announced for Rev Pro/NJPW Global Wars 2018

    Revolution Pro (Rev Pro) has announced the next bout for their ‘Global Wars’ event on October 14th. EVIL and SANADA from Los Ingobernables de Japon will be taking on WALTER and Timothy Thatcher of Ringkampf.

    WALTER has recently been heavily linked with a move to WWE. The Austrian powerhouse is being looked at for an NXT UK position. Sporadic appearances over in Full Sail and at certain Takeover events are also being considered.

    If you’ve never heard of WALTER then he is certainly a performer that should be on your radar. The Austrian powerhouse is dominating the Tag and Heavyweight divisions in wXw, PROGRESS and PWG and he is now being slated as a future WWE/NXT signee. Considered the de-facto leader of the Ringkampf stable (alongside Timothy Thatcher and previously NXT roster member Axel Dieter Jr) WALTER has a ton of potential on the world stage and has already garnered critical praise from the likes of Dave Meltzer, who gave his PWG All-Star Weekend bout against Zack Sabre Jr from October 2017 a 5 star rating.

  • Kenny Omega Responds To Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Criticisms

    As the winner of the G1 Climax 28, Hiroshi Tanahashi is currently in position to challenge Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom next year. Things could change, however, as Tanahashi will have to defend the G1 briefcase against Kazuchika Okada on Sunday.

    Tanahashi recently offered a negative critique of Kenny Omega’s wrestling style to the media. “Kenny’s wrestling is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives),” Tanahashi said.

    Omega has since responded to Tanahashi’s comments through Twitter.

    “Strange accusation to make considering I’ve won more MOTY awards than Tana’s had hair transplant surgeries. Can’t wait for Tana vs Okada 71! I swear watching the same recycled match will be just as good in even slower motion!”

    “Rough day at the office today… All 10 of Tana’s foreign fans took to Twitter to say mean things to me. Rumor has it they even posted stuff on Reddit too…I’ll be okay guys, I swear.”

    NJPW Destruction in Kobe – September 23rd, 2018

    1. Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura
    2. Ren Narita and Shota Umino vs Sho and Yoh
    3. Tiger Mask and Jushin Liger vs Desperado and Kanemaru
    4. Yoshida, Taguchi, Honma, Makabe vs Nakanishi, Nagata, Kojima, and Tenzan
    5. the Best Friends vs the Killer Elite Squad
    6. Toa Henare, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson vs Ospreay, Yoshi-Hashi, and Jay White
    7. Sanada, Evil, Naito vs Michinoku, ZSJ, and Minoru Suzuki
    8. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Semi-Final
      Kushida vs Bushi
    9. G1 Climax 28 Briefcase
      Hiroshi Tanahashi (Holder) vs Kazuchika Okada
  • Los Ingobernables Match Set for OTT Fourth Year Anniversary

    Los Ingobernables Match Set for OTT Fourth Year Anniversary

    Irish based promotion Over The Top (OTT) Wrestling has confirmed one of the top New Japan factions for their 4 year Anniversary show.

    Los Ingobernables de Japon members Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI, Evil and SANADA will be appearing and taking on the team of Flamita, Bandido and Shane Strickland.

    Minoru Suzuki will also be appearing at the show, he will be taking on Ringkampf stable member and wXw/PROGRESS star. Timothy Thatcher

    Will Ospreay vs WALTER II will also be taking place at the event. The two international superstars had their first ever encounter at DEFIANT’s recent Stacked ’18 event. This will be one not to miss.

    The fourth anniversary show will be taking place Saturday October 13th from the National Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Tickets are available to purchase now via Eventbrite.

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Critical Of Kenny Omega’s In-Ring Style

    Hiroshi Tanahashi Critical Of Kenny Omega’s In-Ring Style

    It appears that NJPW’s Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, may already be looking past Kazuchika Okada and Jay White. In an interview with a Japanese radio station, Tanahashi had some harsh words for his future opponent, Kenny Omega. This is assuming he can defend his G1 briefcase against both Chaos members.

    Translated from Japanese, Tanahashi criticized Omega’s in-ring style. The wrestler claimed that it lacks drama because there is no narrative flow to his matches.

    “Kenny’s puroresu is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives).”

    Tanahashi stated that only the last 5 minutes of an Omega match matter because there’s no story being told.

    Begrudging Respect

    He admitted that he respected previous Bullet Club leaders, Prince Devitt (now wrestling as Finn Balor in the WWE) and AJ Styles, believing they were dedicated to the Bullet Club.

    With Omega, however, he thinks that ‘The Best Bout Machine’ has a poor attitude – one that leads him to want to “own” everything.

    Kenny has had some harsh words in the past for his potential Wrestle Kingdom opponent, calling Tanahashi a “complete egomaniac” and describing his fanbase as a “dwindling mini cult.”

    G1 Vengeance

    The winner of the G1 Climax tournament receives a briefcase with a contract for a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom inside. 

    Tanahashi, this year’s winner, was quick to highlight two opponents he wanted to face before Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4th 2019.

    “Switchblade” Jay White was the only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi. Okada fought him to an epic 30-minute draw on the final night of the tournament. The Ace hasn’t forgotten.

    What do you Tanahashi’s chances are of making it to the Tokyo Dome in order to claim his opportunity? And do you agree with Tanahashi’s opinion on Omega?

  • NJPW Destruction in Beppu Results (9.17)

    NJPW Destruction in Beppu Results (9.17)

    New Japan’s second official Destruction 2018 show took place today (September 17th). Emanating from Beppu B-Con Plaza the stellar card featured a title bout and a host of top NJPW stars.

    The real headline grabber was the main event between Tetsuya Naito and Minoru Suzuki. Naito would goad Suzuki during the ‘Road To’ events citing Suzuki’s annoyance that the Intercontinental Championship was not the main event when he was champion…yet the belt is still not in the main event at Beppu.

    Here’s the full results from the event:

    Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Yuya Uemura b. TenKoji (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima) & Yota Tsuji (9:08) – Nagata hit the 

    Nagata Lock ? to secure the victory over Tsuji

    David Finlay & Ren Narita b. Shota Umino & Toa Henare (6:38) – Finlay hit the 

    Prima Nocta on Umino to secure the pinfall victory

    Ayato Yoshida b. Takashi Iizuka (4:30) – Yoshida took the win via DQ
    Jushin Thunder Liger, KUSHIDA, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tiger Mask b. CHAOS (Rocky Romero, SHO, Will Ospreay & YOH) (10:00) – Tiger Mask hit a 

    Tombstone Piledriver on Romero to take the pinfall win

    Killer Elite Squad (Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer) b. Best Friends (Beretta & Chuckie T) (10:34) – Archer pinned Beretta following the 

    Killer Bomb for the win

    Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Zack Sabre Jr.) b. Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL & SANADA) (8:31) – ZSJ took the win over EVIL
    Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Juice Robinson b. CHAOS (Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) (13:01) – Robinson hit the Pulp Friction on YOSHI-HASHI for the win
    NEVER Openweight Title Match – Taichi b. Hirooki Goto (20:54) – Taichi took the win after hitting the Air Raid Crash, he becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion
    Tetsuya Naito b. Minoru Suzuki (32:08) – Naito hit the Destino to win the match

  • Kenny Omega Tells Kota Ibushi “Whenever, Wherever, I’ll Be Ready”

    Kenny Omega and his Golden Lovers tag team partner Kota Ibushi have lit up New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2018. The two main event stars dominated the plaudits for this year’s G1 Climax and fans are expectant for their almost inevitable match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Omega recently took to the microphone at a New Japan ‘Road To Destruction’ show and laid out his challenge to Ibushi.

    Kenny Omega stated (translated from Japanese) “Since the day I became Champion. I thought that me being Champion meant that I’m the strongest. That I’m the best, toughest in the world. But the truth is, it’s not really like that. The truth is…Ibushi. The reason I am the best is because of Ibushi. So…After Dominion I told him ‘Whenever, Wherever, I’ll Be Ready.’” 

    Ibushi then asked Omega to “remember their promise.” Omega then finished his promo by proclaiming that “The Golden Lovers are more precious to me than any title.” It looks as though we may have to wait a while for the showdown to happen.

    Kenny Omega recently defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii. The two stars collided at the Destruction in Hiroshima show this past Saturday. Omega is set to defend his title against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom pending Tanahahsi’s defence of his briefcase contract between now and January 4th.

    Do you want to see a showdown between the two New Japan greats? Let us know in the comments

  • NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Yamaguchi Results (9.16)

    NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Yamaguchi Results (9.16)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s September scheduling is usually dominated by the DESTRUCTION shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature to ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the September 16th show in Yamaguchi:

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino b. KUSHIDA & Yuya Uemura (10:12) – Umino took the win after making Uemura tap to the Boston Crab
     
    CHAOS (Rocky Romero, SHO & YOH) b. Jushin Thunder Liger, Ren Narita & Tiger Mask (7:23) – SHO took the pinfall win over Narita with a German Suplex Hold
    Suzuki-gun (El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) b. CHAOS (Gedo & Will Ospreay) (8:13) – Desperado hit Gedo with the Pinche Loco for the pinfall win
    CHAOS (Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI) b. David Finlay, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & Togi Makabe (13:26) – White hit the Blade Runner on Finlay for the pinfall win
    Suzuki-gun (Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer & Taichi) b. CHAOS (Beretta & Hirooki Goto) & Chuckie T(10:52) – Archer took the pinfall win over Chuckie T following the Killer Bomb 
    Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito) b. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka & Zack Sabre Jr.) (16:56) – BUSHI took the pinfall win for his team after hitting the MX on TAKA
  • NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima Results (9.15)

    NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima Results (9.15)

    New Japan’s first official Destruction 2018 show took place on September 15th. Emanating from Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall the stellar card featured two title bouts and a host of top NJPW stars.

    The real headline grabber was the main event between Kenny Omega and Tomohiro Ishii. The two world class talents collided for Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Omega and Ishii had one of the best bouts from this year’s G1 Climax tournament, the match saw Ishii defeat Omega to earn this bout and main event of the first Destruction show of the tour.

    Results

    Here’s the results from the show:

    Jushin Liger, KUSHIDA, & Tiger Mask IV b. Roppongi 3K (Rocky Romero, SHO, & YOH) – Tiger took the win via pinfall with a Tiger Suplex on Romero

    Bad Luck Fale b. Toa Henare – Fale took the win via pinfall following the Grenade

    Killer Elite Squad (Davey Boy Smith, Jr. & Lance Archer) b. Ayato Yoshida & Michael Elgin – KES took the by pinfall win following a Killer Bomb on Yoshida

    Chaos (Beretta, Chuckie T, & Will Ospreay) b. Bullet Club (Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi) & Kota Ibushi – The Best Friends won via pinfall following a double stomp-assisted Dudebuster on Owens

    Firing Squad (Taiji Ishimori, Tama Tonga, & Tanga Loa) (c) b. Taguchi Japan (David Finlay, Juice Robinson, & Ryusuke Taguchi) – Tanga Loa took the pinfall win after hitting the Apesh*t on Finlay to retain the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship

    Chaos (Gedo, Hirooki Goto, & Toru Yano) b. Suzuki-gun (Taichi, Takashi Iizuka, & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) – CHAOS took the disqualification win after Taichi attacked Goto with his microphone stand

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA, & Tetsuya Naito) b. (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku, & Zack Sabre, Jr.) – Ingobernables took the pinfall win following the Magic Killer on Michinoku

    Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Chaos (“Switchblade” Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, & YOSHI-HASHI) – Tanahashi defeated YOSHI-HASHI via pinfall with a small package 

    Kenny Omega (c) b. Tomohiro Ishii – Omega won the match via pinfall following the One-Winged Angel to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship

  • Tama Tonga Sends Message To Kevin Kelly Following Destruction In Hiroshima

    Tama Tonga Sends Message To Kevin Kelly Following Destruction In Hiroshima

    NJPW broadcaster, Kevin Kelly, hasn’t been too kind on Bullet Club’s Firing Squad. Tama Tonga decided to respond to Kelly’s commentary following today’s NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima event.

    “Hey, let get’s something straight, I didn’t come at anybody sideways,” Tonga said. “I came at them straight, straightforward after they started with me.”

    Tama Tonga Sends Message To Kevin Kelly

    “Roman started with me. Cody started with me. Brandi started with me and I just finish em, that’s it,” Tonga continued. “I mind my own damn business. And everybody who started with me should learn that same lesson: mind your own damn business.”

    Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and “Bone Soldier” Taiji Ishimori defeated David Finlay, Juice Robinson, and Ryusuke Taguchi today to retain their 6-Man Tag-Team Championships. Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga will challenge the Young Bucks for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag-Team Championships on September 30th in Long Beach.

    Also in regards to Bullet Club’s Firing Squad, the faction has announced they are recruiting. They asked their followers on Instagram and Twitter to suggest possible new members.

    Bullet Club Elite’s Cody responded, “Ummm we’re good here guys. We’ve got the best wrestlers in the world, a badass queen, a crazy actor, we’ve even got a dog…”

    Cody will challenge Juice Robinson for the IWGP United States Championship on NJPW’s Long Beach show as well.

    “But yea I’m sure folks are chomping at the bit to join you and Mr Juicy’s bullet club?” Cody’s Tweet continued. “Go to NXT already please, nobody gives a shit.”

  • NJPW vs Rev Pro Global Wars 2018 Announced

    NJPW vs Rev Pro Global Wars 2018 Announced

    Revolution Pro (Rev Pro) has announced the date for their 2018 iteration of the Global Wars event. The NJPW vs Rev Pro show has been a huge success over the past few years and the already announced matches are building to a stacked show. The Brixton Recreation Centre in London will host the event on October 14th.

    The following bouts have already been announced for the show:

    • Tetsuya Naito vs Chris Brookes
    • British Heavyweight Championship Match – Minoru Suzuki vs Tomohiro Ishii
    • British Cruiserweight Championship Match – David Starr vs KUSHIDA
    • Hirooki Goto vs Zack Sabre Jr
    • EVIL & SANADA (Los Ingobernables de Japon) vs WALTER & Timothy Thatcher (Ringkampf)

    • You can check out our interview with Rev Pro owner Andy Quildan here
    • Here’s the Results for Night 1 and Night 2 of the British J Cup Tournament
    • Here’s the results for Night 1 of the Rev Pro Television Tapings from York Hall

  • NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima (9.15) Full Card and Preview

    NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima (9.15) Full Card and Preview

    New Japan’s first official Destruction show takes place on September 15th. Emanating from Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall the stellar card will feature two title bouts and a host of top NJPW stars.

    The real headline grabber is the main event between Kenny Omega and Tomohiro Ishii. The two world class talents will be colliding for Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    Omega and Ishii had one of the best bouts from this year’s G1 Climax tournament, the match saw Ishii defeat Omega to earn this bout and main event of the first Destruction show of the tour. Whilst Ishii can be considered one of the best in NJPW it’s clear that Omega is here to stay as IWGP Champion heading into January’s Wrestle Kingdom so it’s very unlikely that he drops the title.

    Here’s the full card for the first Destruction event which will be available to view on NJPWWorld.com:

    • KUSHIDA, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger vs Rocky Romero, SHO & YOH
    • Bad Luck Fale vs Toa Henare
    • Michael Elgin & Ayato Yoshida vs Davey Boy Smith Jr & Lance Archer
      Will Ospreay, Beretta & Chuck Taylor vs Kota Ibushi, Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
    • NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match – Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, & Taiji Ishimori (c) vs Juice Robinson, David Finlay & Ryusuke Taguchi
    • Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano & Gedo vs Taichi, Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
    • Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI vs Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr, TAKA Michinoku & El Desperado
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI & Jay White
    • IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii
  • NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Osaka Results (9.13)

    NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Osaka Results (9.13)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s September scheduling is usually dominated by the DESTRUCTION shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature to ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the September 13th show in Osaka:

    Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura – This bout ended in a draw

    Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi b. Ren Narita & Shota Umino – Takahashi took the win after hitting the Pimp Juice on Narita 

    Ayato Yoshida, David Finlay, Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson b. Taiji Ishimori, Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale – Finlay took the win over Tanga Loa with the Granby Roll

    Gedo & Hirooki Goto b. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi – Goto took the pinfall win over TAKA following the GTR

    BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL & Tetsuya Naito b. El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemura, Takashi Iizuka & Minoru Suzuki – EVIL took the pinfall win over Iizuka following a Magic Killer

    Beretta, YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano & Kazuchika Okada b. Toa Henare, Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi – Beretta hit the Dudebuster on Henare for the win

    Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega b. Will Ospreay & Tomohiro Ishii – Ibushi took the pinfall win over Ospreay following the Golden Trigger

  • Tama Tonga Teases Recruiting Neville To Bullet Club

    Tama Tonga Teases Recruiting Neville To Bullet Club

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Tama Tonga spoke to Sports Illustrated recently and discussed several professional wrestling topics. Tonga is one of the founding members of The Bullet Club. The faction is probably the largest, in terms of numbers, in professional wrestling right now.

    Over the years, members of the group have come and gone. However, Tonga believes The Bullet Club’s current members have to prove their loyalties. With some stars’ contracts coming up, and potential WWE moves on the horizon, Tonga is ready to see who is really all in with Bullet Club:

    “There is only one Bullet Club, and we’re fighting for it,” Tonga said. “This ignited in San Fran, and we’re at war for Bullet Club. This is where we’re at, it’s the North vs. the South fighting for the United States.

    “You have their side—the ROH side—against the Japan side of me, [Bad Luck] Fale, and [Tanga] Loa. Bullet Club was born in New Japan, but the Young Bucks ain’t signed in New Japan. Cody ain’t signed in New Japan. Adam Page and Marty Scurll ain’t signed with New Japan. From my understanding, a lot of them are becoming free agents at the end of this year. So, let’s see, who really is Bullet Club?”

    Recruiting Neville

    Recently, at the G1 special, Kenny Omega challenged Tonga while cutting a promo. Tonga is looking to bolster up his supporting crew for his feud against “The Cleaner,” and has his eye on one recently-released WWE star:

    “I love always love a challenge,” Tonga said. “Kenny Omega did a promo during the G1 and said, ‘Tama, you think you can do better than me? You think you can push Bullet Club to new levels, higher ones than I did? Go ahead and prove it.’ Challenge accepted.

    “I know Neville and I’ve followed his work. He’s a phenomenal worker and he’s been here in New Japan before, I watched him in the Super Juniors in 2012. I love his work.”

    What do you think about Neville potentially joining The Bullet Club?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxOIXRV59OY

  • AXS TV Commentary Team for Fighting Spirit Unleashed Confirmed

    AXS TV Commentary Team for Fighting Spirit Unleashed Confirmed

    New Japan Pro Wrestling will be returning to the United States on September 30th. The promotion will be heading to Long Beach, California will a stellar line up of stars and matches planned for Fighting Spirit Unleashed.

    NJPW has now confirmed that the show will be airing live on NJPWWorld.com with a special presentation on AXS TV scheduled for Friday October 5th. The commentary team for the AXS show will feature WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and NJPW Play by Play commentator Kevin Kelly.

    There will also be a special autograph signing session on September 29th at the New Japan Dojo in Long Beach. Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Juice Robinson are the current confirmed stars for this event.

    You can check out more information via the YouTube video below. NJPW ‘The Wire’ is a new short series dedicated to English speaking fans giving information on upcoming events.

    NJPW has confirmed the following performed for Fighting Spirit Unleashed on September 30th:

    • Kota Ibushi
    • Kenny Omega
    • Evil
    • Sanada
    • Tetsuya Naito
    • Tomohiro Ishii
    • Kazuchika Okada
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi

    The following matches are confirmed for the event:

    • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match – The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) (c) vs. Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa)
    • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi Final – Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll
    • IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Juice Robinson (c) vs. Cody
  • NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Kyoto Results (9.12)

    NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Kyoto Results (9.12)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s September scheduling is usually dominated by the DESTRUCTION shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature to ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the September 12th show in Kyoto City Gymnasium:

    Ren Narita & Shota Umino b. Ayato Yoshida & Yota Tsuji (8:22) – Narita took the submission win after making Tsuji tap to the Boston Crab

    David Finlay & Juice Robinson b. BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori) (4:54) – Finlay and Robinson took the win via DQ

    BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale, Taiji Ishimori, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) b. David Finlay, Juice Robinson, Toa Henare & Togi Makabe (4:12) – Tanga Loa took the win over Henare after hitting the Apesh*t

    Suzuki-gun (Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) b. CHAOS (Gedo & Hirooki Goto) (10:12) – Kanemaru took the pinfall win over Gedo after hitting the Deep Impact

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito) b. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Takashi Iizuka) (11:01) – SANADA took the pinfall win over Taka Michinoku after the Magic Killer

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin b. CHAOS (Beretta & Kazuchika Okada) (17:54) – Elgin took the pinfall win over Beretta with the Elgin Bomb

    CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, Will Ospreay & YOSHI-HASHI) b. BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens, Kenny Omega & Yujiro Takahashi) & Kota Ibushi (20:13) – Ishii took the win after Omega went over the top rope

  • Bad Luck Fale Comments On Fan Response To Firing Squad Angle

    Bad Luck Fale Comments On Fan Response To Firing Squad Angle

    Bad Luck Fale is a former IWGP Intercontinental Champion and founding member of Bullet Club. He’s also been a key member of Bullet Club’s Firing Squad during the ongoing faction civil war. He recently spoke to njpw1972.com on fan response to the Firing Squad angle, comparisons to the original Bullet Club in 2013, and more.

    Bad Luck Fale On Firing Squad Angle

    New Japan traditionalists have been critical of the factions use of outside interference in the G1 this year. Fale compares the reaction to what the original incarnation of Bullet Club received when they first formed.

    “After the first couple of nights, I said to the boys ‘boys, we’re back in 2013,’” Fale said. “It’s exactly how it felt. And I said to them ‘we’ve got to keep going, we’ve got to make the most of this’. That’s how our G1 turned out (laughs).”

    Fale wasn’t in San Fransico for the Firing Squad’s initial attack on the Elite. A subsequently released YouTube video would show he was actually the mastermind behind the assault, however.

    Perhaps the biggest match in the Elite vs Firing Squad rivalry yet will take place in Long Beach on September 30th. The Young Bucks are scheduled to defend the IWGP Heavyweight Tag-Team Championships against the Guerillas of Destiny that night.

    Fale also mentioned he doesn’t feel Bullet Club will ever solidify as one unit again.

    “I don’t think that we’re ever going to come back together,” Fale said. “Our views of how to take the group forward are too different at this point. The end goal for me is to still be here in ten years. Whatever happens to the Club, it’s not something I really think about. The end goal is for us to work together and still be here in another five, ten years from now.”

    He did have some positive words to say about the Young Bucks, however. The Bucks joined Bullet Club just months after its formation in 2013.

    “The Bucks were always good. Always good,” Fale continued. “I’ve always liked them because they rise up to the challenge that they’re faced with. When they first came in, the junior tag division really had no hype behind it, but them coming in helped us; they had a niche following on the American indie scene and from there, we helped them get bigger in Japan, and they helped us get bigger in America. For them to go from that level in 2013 to where they are now, that’s just amazing.”

    You can read the full interview here. 

  • NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Yokkaichi City Results (9.11)

    NJPW ‘Road To Destruction’ Yokkaichi City Results (9.11)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s September scheduling is usually dominated by the DESTRUCTION shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature to ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the September 11th show in Yokkaichi City:

    Shota Umino & Yota Tsuji b. Ren Narita & Yuya Uemura (8:00) – Umino took the win via Boston Crab after Uemura submitted

    Chase Owens b. Ayato Yoshida (5:55) – Owens took the pinfall win with the Package Driver

    BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale, Taiji Ishimori, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) b. David Finlay, Juice Robinson, Michael Elgin & Tomoaki Honma (9:10) – Tama Tonga took the pinfall win over David Finlay following the Gun Stun

    CHAOS (Gedo & Hirooki Goto) b. Suzuki-gun (Taichi & Takashi Iizuka) (11:01) – CHAOS took the win here by DQ

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito) b. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) (10:50) – BUSHI took the win over Taka Michinoku after hitting the MX

    CHAOS (Beretta, Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI) b. Henare, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Togi Makabe (13:46) – Beretta hit the Dudebuster on Henare for the pinfall win

    CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Will Ospreay) b. Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) & Yujiro Takahashi (9:59) – Ishii hit the Vertical Brain Buster on Takahashi for the pinfall win

  • NJPW Posts Top 5 Moments From G1 Climax 28

    NJPW Posts Top 5 Moments From G1 Climax 28

    The G1 Climax 28 tournament will go down in history as one of the most unique in the history of the event.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi would walk away from the G1 with the briefcase this year. Leading up to his victory, however, there were several big moments in the tournament. NJPW counts down the top-5 in the video below:

    Top 5 Heated Moments From the G1 Climax 28

    5. Sanada defeats Toru Yano

    Sanada found a unique way to defeat Toru Yano. The two wrestlers frequently like to tie their opponents up in knots but it would be Sanada who would gain the upper hand this year. He wrapped Yano’s hands around the guardrail with athletic tape and left Yano there to be counted out.

    4. Kota Ibushi defeated Kenny Omega

    Tomohiro Ishii was the first to defeat Kenny Omega in the G1 Climax this year. It was Omega’s loss to Kota Ibushi on the final night of the round-robin which cost him the block, however.

    The two Golden Lovers teammates hadn’t found since they were back in DDT.

    3. Tomohiro Ishii defeats Kenny Omega

    Ishii and Omega have met 4 times in single’s action. They’ve each beaten the other twice. Ishii defeated Omega in the 1st round of the New Japan Cup in 2017 but then lost a single’s match to him 2 months later at Wrestling Dontaku.

    Omega then defeated Ishii in the finals of the inaugural IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship tournament in Long Beach last year. Ishii then even the series between the two on August 4th when he defeated Omega in B Block action.

    2. The Firing Squad Ejected

    The Firing Squad spent the entire tournament interfering in matches, getting disqualified, and abusing referees. They were finally ejected from the building on the final night of the round-robin tournament.

    NJPW President Harold Meij assured fans the Kota Ibushi vs Kenny Omega match would go on without interference and it did.

    1. Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi – Time Limit Draw

    In the final match of the A Block, Tanahashi and Okada went to a time limit draw. Tanahashi only needed a draw to advance but Okada needed a win. Tanahashi will put his briefcase on the line against Okada at Destruction in Kobe on September 23rd.

  • Satoshi Kojima Talks ACL Injury and In-Ring Return

    Satoshi Kojima Talks ACL Injury and In-Ring Return

    Last night’s Blue Justice VIII ‘Road To Destruction’ event saw the return of legendary Japanese star Satoshi Kojima. The NJPW veteran tagged alongside Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Manabu Nakanishi in a winning effort against Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Juice Robinson and David Finlay.

    This was Kojima’s return to the ring since his ACL injury in January. After the main event Kojima took to the microphone to discuss his long road to get back into the ring. He stated “These last 8 months which I missed were very long and tough for me. But at the same time there was joy and happiness too. I learned that there are always good things waiting for you if you keep going. For those who are struggling with issues in life please watch us, and feel alive. Thank you.”

    You can check out the full results from the Blue Justice VIII event here. The show included bouts between Los Ingobernables and Bullet Club, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi and CHAOS vs The Golden Lovers/Bullet Club.

    You can keep up with our complete New Japan coverage here

  • NJPW Road To Destruction ‘Blue Justice VIII’ Results (9.9)

    NJPW Road To Destruction ‘Blue Justice VIII’ Results (9.9)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s September scheduling is usually dominated by the DESTRUCTION shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature to ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    September 9th’s ‘Road To’ event was dubbed Blue Justice VIII in tribute to Yuji Nagata (it’s an annual tradition) and saw the return of Satoshi Kojima from an ACL injury that kept him out of action since January.

    Here’s the full results for the September 9th show in Togane Arena:

    Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura – This bout went to a draw
    Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori b. Michael Elgin, Ayato Yoshida, Shota Umino, and Ren Narita – Ishimori took the pinfall win for his team over Narita

    Taichi and Desperado b. Hirooki Goto and Gedo – Desperado took the pinfall win after hitting the Pinche Loco

    Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, and BUSHI b. Minoru Suzuki, Iizuka, Kanemaru, and Taka Michinoku – BUSHI took the pinfall win for his team after hitting the MX on Taka

    Kazuchika Okada and YOSHI-HASHI b. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Toa Henare – YOSHI-HASHI took the submission win after using the Butterfly Lock on Henare

    Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, Trent, and Will Ospreay b.Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Yujiro Takahashi, and Chase Owens – Trent took the win after hitting the Dudebuster on Chase Owens

    Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, and Satoshi Kojima b. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Juice Robinson, and David Finlay – Kojima took the pinfall win after hitting the Lariat on Finlay

  • New Japan Star Challenges Chris Jericho

    New Japan Star Challenges Chris Jericho

    Kenny Omega is not the only New Japan talent with Chris Jericho in their crosshairs. Los Ingobernables member EVIL has issued a challenge to the IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

    EVIL appeared on camera following a recent ‘Road To Destruction’ event and stated: “Let me tell you what I think of you today Chris Jericho. You said in the interview that Chris Jericho vs EVIL is a possibility didn’t you? Did you know that there is a limit on how long you can just hold that Intercontinental title? If you are up for it then I don’t mind at all.”

    EVIL appeared after Y2J’s Intercontinental Championship match with Tetsuya Naito back at Dominion. The New Japan star came to the aid of his stablemate forcing Jericho to flee the ring and tease a future bout between the two.

    Jericho has since responded to the challenge. He took to Twitter to inform EVIL that he “needs to mind his own effen business.”

    You can check out more of our New Japan coverage here

  • Bullet Club’s Firing Squad Recruiting New Members, Cody Replies

    Bullet Club’s Firing Squad Recruiting New Members, Cody Replies

    Bullet Club’s Firing Squad is looking for new members. The group previously put out a call for new member suggestions on social media and has now produced a recruitment video of sorts. Bullet Club OG Tama Tonga posted the following earlier today:

    A few names were brought up multiple times by Tonga’s followers. Jay White, Toa Henare, and Punishment Martinez were all suggested as potential new members. White had previously been offered a spot in Bullet Club by Kenny Omega. He turned down the offer in epic fashion, however, and joined CHAOS instead. Ring of Honor’s Kenny King volunteered for the role:

    NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes chimed in:

    https://twitter.com/codyrhodes/status/1039203633089454085?s=21

    Firing Squad Title Matches In September

    The Firing Squad have a few big matches coming up in September. Tonga, Loa, and Taiji Ishimori will defend the NEVER Openweight 6-Man tag-team titles on Saturday. They will face the team of Taguchi, Juice Robinson, and David Finlay.

    The Guerillas of Destiny will then face the Young Bucks for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag-Team Championships on September 30th in Long Beach.

  • Tetsuya Naito Calls Out Minoru Suzuki

    Tetsuya Naito Calls Out Minoru Suzuki

    Tetsuya Naito is set to face Minoru Suzuki September 17th in the main event of Destruction in Beppu. Interestingly, the leader of the Los Ingobernables de Japon stable has decided to call out the devastating Suzuki…even calling him a hypocrite of sorts.

    Naito appeared on camera following his ‘Road To’ bout against the Suzuki-Gun stable alongside his Ingobernables team. Naito made the following comments; “2018…back on March 6th. After the match in Ota City Gymnasium. You still do remember what you said backstage don’t you? We fought for the Intercontinental Title in the semi-main event. The main event was a special singles match between Okada and Ospreay. On that day you were very upset, weren’t you? But in a couple of weeks, on September 17th in Beppu Plaza…there will be a title match that will once again be the semi-main event. The main event will be a special singles match. The NEVER title, which you once said was your treasure, is in the semi-main event. And the special singles match, which the King (Suzuki) will be featured in, is the main event.”

    Naito went on to state: “Don’t you have anything to say about this? 6 months ago you were furious. Will you just stay silent because now you are in the main event? You only speak when it benefits you huh?”

    Opinion: Naito is a very brave man

    Check out more of our New Japan coverage here

    You can check out the full interview below

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada Talk Upcoming Bout

    Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada Talk Upcoming Bout

    Hiroshi Tanahashi will be putting his Wrestle Kingdom title match in jeopardy on Sunday September 23rd. The ‘Ace’ of New Japan will step in the ring with Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP January 4th Challenge Rights match for the Destruction in Kobe show.

    Traditionally the winner of the G1 tournament is expected to defend his title shot. Well, the G1 winner should defend against the competitors who beat him during the tournament. Interestingly Tanahashi announced that he would defend the rights against Okada even though their epic bout went to a time limit draw during this year’s G1.

    Tanahashi spoke on camera following his bout at the ‘Road To’ event last night. The ‘Ace’ stated that “I know Okada far too well. Please show me the part of you that I’ve never seen before. But..just winning is not enough, because I’ve already lost and drew to him. It won’t satisfy me. Then what should I do? I’m looking for something more.”

    Kazuchika Okada also appeared in a backstage interview segment, the former IWGP Heavyweight made the following comments: “It’s obvious isn’t it? Tokyo Dome and the IWGP Title…they need me. The answer is there. That’s why Tanahashi wants to beat me isn’t it? He needs to beat me in order to get to the Tokyo Dome. You’re being naive aren’t you? But the IWGP Title…The main event at Tokyo Dome is not your place. Well…we’re just getting started. There will be more preview matches. I will get everything out of Tanahashi and I will finish him in Kobe.”

    Check out the full video below:

  • Kenny Omega Comments on the ‘Best’ G1 2018 Matches

    The New Japan Pro Wrestling ‘Road to’ Destruction shows are in full swing. IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega and his ‘Golden Lovers’ tag partner Kota Ibushi faced CHAOS rivals Tomohiro Ishii and Will Ospreay at last night’s Korakuen Hall event.

    The bout was stellar and was unexpectedly so for what is traditionally a ‘lesser’ show in NJPW’s scheduling. The ‘Road To’ shows tend to act as a series to build to the bigger events such as Destruction later this month. The company may be looking to up the ante with the expected drive in ALL IN subscribers getting the megashow at a heavily discounted price.

    Omega took to the mic following the bout to discuss his upcoming IWGP Heavyweight Title bout. Kenny will be facing Tomohiro Ishii at Destruction in Hiroshima September 15th. Ishii earned the bout by defeating Omega in their G1 Climax tournament bout. Omega stated (in Japanese) that “My next defence will be against Ishii. Many American fans say that our G1 match was epic, the best bout from G1. My personal opinion…the best matches were all of Ibushi-san’s. Don’t you agree Ibushi-san?”

    Check out the full results here from the show here

    You can check out the show on NJPWWorld now. You can also check out full reaction from the September 7th ‘Road To’ show below via YouTube.