SEScoops

Category: NJPW

  • NJPW English Language Streams Confirmed for September

    NJPW English Language Streams Confirmed for September

    New Japan Pro Wrestling will be bringing more English language content to NJPWWorld this September.

    The full G1 Climax tournament was available in English for the first time ever this year and now New Japan’s Destruction shows in September will be getting the ‘Western’ treatment. Play by Play commentator Kevin Kelly confirmed which shows be would be commentating live via Twitter:

    The Road to Destruction shows on September 7th, 8th and 9th will only be available in Japanese live. The September 15th, 17th and 23rd events in Hiroshima, Beppu and Kobe will be available in English. Kelly will be recording commentary for the ‘Road To’ events in post production.

    If you missed any of our G1 Climax coverage then You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here, Night 13 here, Night 14 here, Night 15 here and Night 16 here.

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Talks ‘Picturing Shawn Michaels’ Before G1 Final Win

    Last weekend saw Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi defeat Kota Ibushi to win the G1 Climax tournament. This should cement his place in the main event of January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom event in the Tokyo Dome.

    Tanahashi spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso following his incredible bout against the ‘Golden Star.’ He discussed a variety of topics including the longevity of his career, his love of Shawn Michaels and the difference in ideologies between himself and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega.

    The ‘Ace’ of New Japan began by stating “Many times I have heard that phrase about my age, but what can I say?” My future is my future. I don’t want to let anyone close the door on my future. I survived the G1. This means I am the best in New Japan.”

    Tanahashi is also reportedly a huge fan of the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, he spoke about ‘picturing’ the WWE Hall of Famer before his G1 final match: “Before I walked to the ring tonight, I was very, very nervous, So I pictured Shawn Michaels. I love, love Shawn Michaels. He was my inspiration, and always seemed to be having fun all the time in the ring. There is pressure and injury in the ring, but I needed to remember there is joy, too. So that’s what I did.”

    Tanahashi also commented on the difference of ideologies between himself and Bullet Club’s Kenny Omega: “Kenny made a new movement, created a new trend in New Japan Pro Wrestling,” said Tanahashi, alternating between English and Japanese. “He does extreme moves and people love him, but New Japan Pro Wrestling has a different ideology of pro wrestling. Kenny’s ideology is different than my ideology, and that is the biggest difference between us.”

  • NJPW President Promises They Won’t Become “American Wrestling”

    NJPW President Promises They Won’t Become “American Wrestling”

    New Japan Pro Wrestling President, Harold Meij, has penned a column in Japanese stating the promotion will not become an American-style wrestling company.

    There have been complaints the last few weeks regarding the style of wrestling often featured in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. In addition to the frequent interference from Tama Tonga, Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa, Jay White also frequently used interference and American-style wrestling tactics.

    Meij himself became involved in the proceedings, helping to have the Firing Squad ejected from the building the final night.

    “From Harold Meij’s latest column. He regrets how Saturday came across, addresses concerns of NJPW becoming like ‘American wrestling’,” Tweeted Chris Charlton. “He ‘never planned’ on being involved in proceedings and says he has no intentions on being anything but an executive.”

    Harold Meij NJPW

    Harold Meij is a Dutch businessman who has been active in the Japanese market and speaks the language fluently. He addressed the idea of a perceived foreigner running the company during an interview earlier this summer.

    “I think there are long-time fans that must be worrying, ‘What? The operator is a foreigner? What’s going to happen?’ Because I look like a foreigner, you know?” Meij said. “They worry that New Japan might change. I wanted to come myself as the president and talk with the fans to alleviate any anxiety they might have.”

  • Kenny Omega Takes Shot At Hiroshi Tanahashi

    Kenny Omega Takes Shot At Hiroshi Tanahashi

    The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega, has fired a shot at Hiroshi Tanahashi. Omega referred to Tanahashi as an “egomaniac”, said he’s glad he won’t be at All In and referred to his fans as a cult.

    He made his comments in a reply to the newest English broadcast team member, Chris Charlton.

    “What’s crazy is that his dwindling mini cult will still believe every word he says. A complete egomaniac. Sure glad he ain’t #allin”

    Omega’s comments were made in response to Tanahashi saying Ibushi would never reach his true potential while aligned with Omega.

    As Omega is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Tanahashi the G1 Winner, the two could meet in the main event of WrestleKingdom. Omega will need to defend his title before then, however, and Tanahashi will have to defend his G1 briefcase as well.

    Kenny Omega vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

    Tanahashi said he would only go on to face Omega in the Tokyo Dome if he successfully retains the G1 briefcase against Kazuchika Okada. Although Tanahashi won the B-Block in the G1 this year, he only wrestled Okada to a draw on the final night of the round-robin.

    The only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi in the G1 this year was Jay White. Tanahashi will likely defend the briefcase against him as well.

    As for Omega, he’ll have to defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii next. He could have to defend the title against either Kota Ibushi or Toru Yano before WrestleKingdom as well.

    His title match against Ishii has yet to be scheduled.

  • Rey Mysterio Teases Huge NJPW Match

    Rey Mysterio Teases Huge NJPW Match

    Rey Mysterio Jr. is expected to head to WWE soon but his post-match comments from the G1 Climax 28 final show indicate the luchador may have some unfinished business in NJPW still.

    Mysterio has cleared his schedule for the latter part of September, which has led many to believe he’ll be WWE bound then or shortly after. He is still booked for Chris Jericho’s cruise at the end of October, however.

    On Sunday, Mysterio teamed with KUSHIDA and Ryusuke Taguchi and defeated Kazuchika Okada and Roppongi 3K. Following the match, Mysterio indicated he’d like to face Okada in a single’s match.

    Rey Mysterio Wants Single’s Match With Kazuchika Okada

    “I would love to see a single’s match between Okada and Rey Mysterio Jr,” Mysterio said in the back. “Let’s see what happens. Thank you.”

    Rey Mysterio Jr. NJPW

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling kicks off their “Destruction” tours in September. Mysterio could face Okada in single’s action on any of the big Destruction shows on the tour.

    Mysterio will also be in trios action at All In on September 1st. He will team with Fenix and Bandido to face the Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi. Although Cody will face Nick Aldis for the NWA title that night as well, some are saying the trios match could be the night’s main event.

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi To Defend G1 Briefcase Against Kazuchika Okada & Jay White

    Hiroshi Tanahashi To Defend G1 Briefcase Against Kazuchika Okada & Jay White

    The G1 Climax 28 winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi, has stated he will defend the briefcase against Kazuchika Okada and Jay White.

    The winner of NJPW’s annual G1 tournament receives a briefcase with a contract for the title shot at WrestleKingdom inside. In recent years, the G1 winner has had to defend the briefcase before advancing to the Tokyo Dome. No G1 Winner has yet to lose the briefcase before WrestleKingdom, however.

    Jay White was the only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi in the tournament while Okada and Tanahashi went to a 30-minute draw on the final night of the round-robin.

    His post-match press conference comments were translated by the owner of PuroLove.com:

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada

    As it stands right now, Okada would have to either defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi for the G1 briefcase or Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight title in order to be in the main event of WrestleKingdom.

    If Okada is not in the main event at WrestleKingdom 13 it will be the first time since WrestleKingdom 8 he hasn’t been.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Jay White

    Tanahashi’s post-match comments centered more around Okada than they did Jay White. Still, as the only person to defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi in the G1, White will likely be given a shot at the briefcase.

    White and his CHAOS stablemates have not been seeing eye-to-eye as of late. It’s unclear what White’s future with the faction is.

  • Cody Challenges Juice Robinson For the IWGP United States Championship

    Cody Challenges Juice Robinson For the IWGP United States Championship

    Cody has his sights set on more than one championship. With an NWA World Heavyweight Championship match coming up on September 1st, Cody has his sights set on Juice Robinson’s belt as well.

    Cody and Hangman Page defeated Juice Robinson and David Finlay today on the G1 Climax 28 final show. Following the victory, Cody called Robinson a “bad rip-off of Kairi Sane” before challenging him to a title match. He said he was sick of hearing the wrestling media talk so highly of Juice and then referred to himself as the next IWGP United States Champion.

    A likely date for the match would be September 30th with NJPW returns to Long Beach.

    Cody vs Juice Robinson

    Cody Rhodes and Juice Robinson have met five times previously. The first time they faced each other was inside the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom 11. Cody won that match as well as the following 4 tag-team matches they were on opposite sides of.

    Robinson trained under Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes when he was in WWE’s developmental system.

    “Dusty would always just preach being real,” Juice said during a media call for the G1 Special in San Francisco. “He would always tell me to be myself.”

    “He would always say it’s the why not the how,” Juice continued.

     

  • Bullet Club Firing Squad Win 6-Man Titles At G1 Climax 28 Final

    Bullet Club Firing Squad Win 6-Man Titles At G1 Climax 28 Final

    On their final show before a likely 3-month suspension, Bullet Club’s Firing Squad have won the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag-Team Championships. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and the group’s newest member, Taiji Ishimori, defeated the Young Bucks and Marty Scurll for the titles.

    Following their victory, however, the Firing Squad members threw the belts in the direction of NJPW owner, Harold Meij. Their status as champions remains unclear.

    Their match against the now-former champions was originally scheduled to be a non-title bout. Tama Tonga then challenged them to put the titles up, however. Meij made the title match official moments before it started.

    Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Bad Luck Fale Likely Suspended?

    The group is facing a likely 3-month suspension. They had received a warning that if they interfered in any B-Block matches on the final night of the round-robin they would be suspended. The faction then did interfere in Tama Tonga’s match that night.

    Some of their former stablemates have ideas for their vacation. Finn Balor Tweeted out the following to his fellow Bullet Club founding members:

    To which Tama Tonga offered up:

    Bad Luck Fale chimed in as well:

    Bad Luck Fale defeated Toa Henare earlier in the show.

    It’s generally been an active day on social media for the Bullet Club OGs:

  • Kenny Omega’s Next Title Challenger Likely Revealed

    Kenny Omega’s Next Title Challenger Likely Revealed

    Kenny Omega could have to defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship multiple times before WrestleKingdom. His likely first title challenger was revealed today.

    After pinning Chase Owens in a tag match, Tomohiro Ishii declared he wants a shot at the champion. Kevin Kelly speculated the match could main event NJPW’s return to Long Beach on September 30th.

    Ishii was the first wrestler to defeat Omega in the tournament this year. Omega was later defeated by Toru Yano and Kota Ibushi as well.

    Kenny Omega Tomohiro Ishii 1-on-1 History

    Omega and Ishii are tied 2-2 in their all-time one-on-one series. Ishii defeated Omega the first time they met in the 2017 NJ Cup. Omega would defeat Ishii the next time they met at Wrestling Dontaku 2017, however.

    Omega then defeated Ishii in the finals of the tournament to crown an inaugural IWGP United States Champion in Long Beach. Most recently, Ishii defeated Omega in the G1 Climax 28 B-Block.

    Kenny Omega G1 Climax 28

    Omega lost his final 3 matches in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. He started the tournament much as Kazuchika Okada had last year. Omega won his first 6 round-robin bouts but his 12pts were only good enough for a 4-way tie atop the group.

    Kota Ibushi advanced to the finals based on the tie-breaker rule that the wrestler with the best record against the 3 opponents he’s tied with advances. Ibushi defeated Omega, Zack Sabre Jr, and Tetsuya Naito.

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Defeats Kota Ibushi, Wins G1 Climax 28

    Hiroshi Tanahashi Defeats Kota Ibushi, Wins G1 Climax 28

    Hiroshi Tanahashi is now a 3x G1 tournament winner. He defeated Kota Ibushi today in the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan in the finals of G1 Climax 28.

    With the victory, Tanahashi earns the right to challenge the champion at WrestleKingdom 13. The G1 winner has had to defend that right before moving onto the Tokyo Dome in recent years, however. As Jay White was the only person to defeat Tanahashi in the tournament, he’s a likely candidate for Tanahashi to defend the G1 briefcase against.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi G1 Climax 28

    G1 Tournament Winner Statistics

    The win moves Tanahashi into a tie with Hiroyoshi Tenzan for the 3rd most tournament victories in the G1 lineage. Tenzan and Tanahashi are tied for 2nd most in the modern G1 era beginning in 1991.

    • Antonio Inoki
      MSG League tournament victories: 6
      1974, 75, 78, 79, 80, 81
      International Wrestling Grand Prix victorious: 4
      1984, 86, 87, 88
    • Masahiro Chono
      G1 Climax victories: 5
      1991, 92, 94, 2002, 2005
    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan
      G1 Climax victories: 3
      2003, 2004, 2006
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi
      G1 Climax victories: 3
      2007, 2015, 2018

    Hiroshi Tanahashi Championship Statistics

    Up until they were surpassed by Kazuchika Okada, Tanahashi’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship statistics were the greatest of all-time. He won the title for the first time over 12 years ago. He defeated Giant Bernard (Matt Bloom) in the finals of a tournament to crown a new champion.

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi
      • Combined Title Defences: 28 (1st all-time- Okada trails by 3)
      • Combined Days as Champion: 1,358 (2nd most all-time behind Okada)
      • # of reigns: 7 (1st all-time)
  • NJPW G1 Climax 28 Finals Results (8/12)

    NJPW G1 Climax 28 Finals Results (8/12)

    Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata, Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida

    The 6-man tag match started off with a brawl. Elgin broke up a pinfall but was quickly thrown out of the ring. Honma took control of the match and connected with a headbutt as the crowd cheered. Elgin hopped up on the apron and hit Shota with a couple of chops to the chest.

    Elgin blocked a roll-up attempt and hit another ridiculous chop that echoed throughout the arena. Shota went for a Dropkick but Elgin held up on the ropes and Shota fell to the canvas. Shota crawled to the corner and tagged in Yuji Nagata. Nagata booted Honma off the ring apron and then delivered a few kicks to Elgin’s chest in the middle of the ring.

    Nagata went for a boot but Elgin blocked it and connected with an Enziguri. Togi Makabe tagged in and beatdown Nagata in the corner with a few punches to the face. Nagata battled back and connected with an Exploder Suplex. Ayato Yoshida tagged in and booted Makabe in the back for a two count.

    Makabe hit a Clothesline and went for the cover but it was broken up at two. Togi followed it up with a Knee Drop off the top rope for the pinfall victory.

    Winners: Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin

    https://twitter.com/BulletClubItal/status/1028525664285208577

    Bad Luck Fale vs Toa Henare

    Henare started off the match in control and then went for a Splash in the corner. Fale caught him by the throat but Toa broke free and connected with a headbutt. Henare climbed to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody for a two count. Henare went for a Samoan Drop but failed to lift Fale up. Fale connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with the Bad Luck Fall for the quick pinfall victory.

    Winner: Bad Luck Fale

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028527207457742853

    CHAOS (YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto) vs. SUZUKI-GUN (Taichi & Takashi Iizuka) 

    Iizuka attacked Yoshi-Hashi and Goto from behind with a steel chair to start off the match. Hashi battled back with a Hurricanrana and then beatdown Taichi in the corner of the ring. Iizuka then got into the match and removed his muzzle and started biting everyone. Yoshi finally was able to battle back and tag in Goto.

    Goto hit Iizuka with a boot to the chest and then hit a Belly to Back Suplex that sent Taichi flying onto Iizuka. Goto then planted Iizuka with a Belly to Back Suplex for a two count. Taichi got in the match and booted Goto in the arm. Taichi took his time and laughed at Goto, which allowed Goto to hit another Belly to Back Suplex.

    Yoshi-Hashi tagged in and draped Taichi across the top rope. Yoshi then delivered a Dropkick to his back and went for a cover but Taichi was able to kick out at two. They then traded chops and Taichi resorted to a low blow. Yoshi regrouped and connected with a Clothesline. Taichi connected with a boot to Yoshi-Hashi’s face and followed it up with a Clothesline for a two count. Taichi then connected with a kick to the face and followed it up with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.

    Winners: Taichi & Takashi Iizuka

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028530963750563846

    Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Cody & Hangman Page

    Hangman Page and David Finlay started off the match by locking up in the middle of the ring. The two traded shots and had a staredown. Page backed away to the corner and tagged in Cody. Juice Robinson tagged in as well and Cody started doing pushups and then posed in the ring.

    Juice hit Cody with a couple of Arm Drags and then a Dropkick to the face. Finlay tagged and planted Cody with a Bulldog and then knocked Page off the ring apron. Cody spit his gum in Finlay’s face and then got out of the ring. Finlay ran after him and then got distracted by Hangman Page. Cody snuck up behind Finlay and threw him to the floor by his hair.

    Back in the ring, Hangman Page tagged in and hit Finlay with a Fallaway Slam for a near fall. Cody got back into the match and stomped on Finlay’s chest. Finlay battled out of the corner as Page tagged back in. Hangman brought Finlay back to the corner and quickly tagged Cody back into the match.

    Cody perched Finlay up on the top rope but Finlay battled back with a headbutt. Finlay then leaped off the turnbuckle and connected with an uppercut. Juice and Hangman tagged in and Robinson connected with a massive Clothesline. Juice made his way to the top rope and hit a Crossbody for a near fall.

    Juice trapped both Cody and Page in the corner and hit them with a Splash. Juice followed it up with a Cannonball onto both of them but Page battled back with a forearm to the face. Cody planted Juice with a Powerslam and then Hangman delivered a Shooting Star Press for a two count.

    Cody tagged in as Hangman took out Finlay with a Lariat. Cody and Juice then traded jabs and Cody got the upper-hand with a Disaster Kick out of nowhere. Juice shrugged it off and went for Pulp Friction but Cody countered and slammed Juice to the canvas for the pinfall victory. After the match, Cody called for the microphone as the crowd chanted “Cody!”. Cody draped Juice’s US Title over his own shoulder and vowed to become the next United States Champion. Cody added that Juice is nothing but a bad Kairi Sane impression.

    Winners: Cody & Hangman Page

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028535079788793856

    Bullet Club Elite (Young Bucks & Marty Scurll) vs. Bullet Club OG (Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga & Taiji Ishimori)

    This match was turned into a title match just before it started. The match started out in a brawl that spilled out of the ring. Tama launched Nick Jackson into the barricade surrounding the ring as Scurll beatdown Ishimori on the entrance ramp. Nick then flipped onto Ishimori and the action returned to the ring.

    Tama hit Matt Jackson with a few punches to the face and followed it up with a Suplex for a two count. Tanga tagged in and held Matt up for several seconds in a Vertical Suplex. Tanga finally dropped him and went for the cover but Matt kicked out at two.

    Ishimori tagged in and continued the beatdown for a bit before Tama tagged back in. Tama knocked Marty off the ring apron and brought Matt to the corner of the ring. Matt finally was able to battle back and hit Ishimori with a Spear. Tama knocked Nick and Marty off the ring apron before Matt could tag out of the match. Matt hit a Clothesline and tagged in Nick just as he got back up on the ring apron.

    Nick hit Tanga with a Bulldog and Tama with a Clothesline at the same time. Nick then booted Ishimori in the face and Taiji fell to the floor outside the ring. Matt hit Tama with a Swanton and Nick went for the cover but Tama kicked out at two. Nick tried to boot Tama in the face but he ducked and he accidentally hit Matt. Matt shrugged it off and hit Tama with a Superkick and all three men fell to the canvas.

    Marty Scurll and Ishimori tagged in and traded shots in the middle of the ring. Ishimori bounced off the ropes and hit an awesome kick to the side of Scurll’s face. Ishimori then hung up Scurll in the ropes and hit a ridiculous sliding German Suplex for a two count. Scurll applied the Chicken Wing in the middle of the ring as the Young Bucks locked in Sharpshooters on Tama and Tanga at the same time.

    Nick took out Tama and Tanga with a flip off the top rope. The Young Bucks and Marty Scurll all then leaped onto Ishimori at the same time. Scurll went for the cover but Ishimori somehow was able to kick out at the last second. Tama tagged in and was greeted with a Superkick to the face. Scurll got distracted with Tanga and Tama took advantage and hit Scurll with a Gun Stun to become the new champs.

    Winners: Bullet Club OG (Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga & Taiji Ishimori)

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028541836388958208

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI) vs SUZUKI-GUN (Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado)

    The match started out in a massive brawl outside the ring. Suzuki attacked Naito and tried to hit him with a chair but the referee stopped it. Suzuki and Naito then both grabbed chairs and started trash talking with each other. The referee to the chairs from them and they both started slapping each other in the face. Suzuki grabbed Naito’s head and slammed into a table next to the ring.

    Back in the ring, Suzuki threw Naito into the turnbuckle. Suzuki then booted Naito in the face and applied a Knee Bar in the corner of the ring. Naito broke free but Suzuki kneed him in the ribs. El Desperado tagged in and shoved his boot in Naito’s face in the corner of the ring.

    Suzuki trapped Naito in an Arm Bar on the apron while the referee was distracted. Sabre Jr. tagged in and continued the beatdown of Naito. Naito battled back with an Enziguri and then followed it up with a Neckbreaker. EVIL tagged in and Zack greeted him with an Abdominal Stretch. EVIL quickly broke free and connected with a Senton for a two count.

    Sabre knocked EVIL to the mat by tripping him up and then delivered a couple of kicks to his chest. EVIL battled back with a kick of his own but Sabre quickly applied a Wrist Lock. EVIL countered into a Fisherman’s Buster and then tagged in BUSHI. Kanemaru tagged in at the same time.

    SANADA got into the match and a brawl broke out once again. Desperado hit SANADA with a Spear and then Kanemaru hit Deep Impact and went for the cover but it was broken up at two. Another brawl broke out and SANADA and Kanemaru were left in the ring. SANADA quickly picked up the submission victory via the Skull End but the brawl continued after the match. Suzuki went nuts after the match and started attacking everyone in sight.

    Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI)

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028546417239973889

     CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Jay White) vs Bullet Club Elite (Kenny Omega, Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens)

    Jay White and Chase Owens started off the match. White applied a Headlock but Owens escaped and countered into a Wrist Lock. White and Owens then traded Hammerlocks in the middle of the ring. Jay got the upper-hand and hit Owens with a few chops to the chest.

    Owens battled back with a boot to the face that knocked White to the canvas. White tagged in Yano and Toru wanted nothing to do with getting the ring. The crowd cheered him on and Yano finally got into the ring. Takahashi tagged in and Yano greeted him with an inverted Atomic Drop.

    Yano got trapped in the corner and Takahashi connected with a boot to the face. Kenny Omega tagged in and asked Chase to put his boot on the rope. Omega then slammed Yano’s face into it and tagged in Chase Owens. Chase quickly tagged Omega back in and Kenny jogged around Yano and tagged Owens back in.

    Yujiro then tagged in for a second before tagging Omega back in. Kenny jogged around Yano once again and then a brawl broke out in the ring. Yano finally was able to tag Tomohiro Ishii into the match. Ishii hit Omega with a Powerslam and then a shoulder tackle to Chase Owens.

    Ishii and Omega traded shots for a moment but Chase got into the ring and booted Ishii in the face. Owens tagged in and delivered a running knee to Ishii’s face for a two count. Omega and Takahashi attacked Ishii but Yano and White broke it up. Ishii Clotheslined Owens for a two count but Owens battled back with a Superkick but Ishii wouldn’t go down. Ishii hit Owens with a headbutt but Chase bounced off the ropes and hit a massive Clothesline for a near fall. Ishii hit a Clothesline of his own and followed it up with a Brainbuster for the pinfall victory.

    After the match, Ishii challenged Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    Winners: CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Jay White)

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028551597436162049

    Rey Mysterio Jr., KUSHIDA & Sengoku Enbu vs. CHAOS (SHO, YOH & Kazuchika Okada)

    Okada and Mysterio started off the match as the crowd chanted “619!”. Mysterio hit Okada with a Hurricanrana and then a Dropkick. Mysterio went for the 619 but Okada got out of the way just in time. Sho and Kushida then tagged into the match and went back and forth for a bit. Kushida applied an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring and then a brawl broke out. Okada tried to remove Enbu’s mask but failed to do so.

    Back in the ring, Yoh tagged in and trapped Kushida in a Waist Lock. Yoh slammed Kushida into the turnbuckle and tagged Sho back in. Sho slammed Kushida to the canvas and hit him with a Dropkick. Kushida battled back with a flying elbow and tagged Sengoku Enbu in.

    Enbu hit a few Hip Attacks and then avoided Sho’s attempt at a Dropkick. Enbu connected with a Bulldog and followed it up with a sloppy looking Moonsault for a two count. Enbu applied an Ankle Lock but Sho was able to escape. Enbu went for a Hip Attack again but Sho countered into a German Suplex.

    Okada tagged in and stomped on Enbu several times while he was down on the mat. Okada followed it up with a DDT for a near fall. Enbu dodged the Rainmaker and connected with a Hip Attack. Mysterio tagged back in and hit Okada with a Dropkick for a two count. Rey went for a Crossbody but Okada caught him and set up for a Tombstone. Rey escaped but Okada planted him with a Flapjack.

    Yoh got in the match and delivered a Falcon Arrow to Mysterio for a two count. Mysterio and Yoh traded roll-ups but Sho got into the ring and hit Rey with a Backbreaker. Rey battled back and hit Yoh with a DDT and then set them both up for the 619. Okada broke it up with a Dropkick. Enbu and Kushida then took out Sho and Okada outside the ring.

    Back in the ring, Yoh and Mysterio traded shots. Mysterio got the upper-hand and connected with the 619. Rey followed it up with a springboard Splash for the pinfall victory.

    Winners: Rey Mysterio Jr., KUSHIDA & Sengoku Enbu

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028556925498273793

    G1 Climax Final: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kota Ibushi

    The crowd was electric as the bell rang to start the match. Ibushi and Tanahashi locked up in the middle of the ring. Tanahashi got the upper-hand and brought Ibushi to the canvas and applied a Waist Lock. Ibushi got to the ropes to break up the hold and the two locked up again in the center of the ring.

    Tanahashi once again got the better of the exchange and trapped Ibushi in a Headlock. Ibushi tried to break free but Tanahashi didn’t let go. Ibushi countered and applied Headscissors in the middle of the ring. Tanahashi countered into a Headlock and Ibushi screamed in agony.

    Kota battled to his feet but Hiroshi decked him with a shoulder tackle. Ibushi hopped right up and knocked Tanahashi to the canvas. Tanahashi got back up and Ibushi threw him into the turnbuckle. Tanahashi exploded out of the corner and connected with a Dropkick to Ibushi’s knee.

    Tanahashi then went after Ibushi’s knee and stomped on it a few times. Tanahashi locked in a Triangle Scorpion submission hold but Ibushi quickly grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold. Ibushi connected with a jumping kick to the face that sent Tanahashi tumbling to the mat.

    Ibushi followed it up with a Powerslam and then a springboard Moonsault off the second rope for a two count. Ibushi sold the knee as he made his way back to his feet and tried to lift up Tanahashi. Hiroshi escaped but Ibushi connected with a Dropkick that sent Tanahashi out of the ring.

    Kota caught Tanahashi with a Double Stomp as he was on the apron and caught him in the face as well during the move. Back in the ring, Tanahashi caught a kick from Ibushi and countered into a Dragon Screw that sent Ibushi flying across the ring. Tanahashi hit Ibushi with a Dropkick in the corner but Kota shrugged it off and hit a Double Stomp to Tanahashi’s back.

    Tanahashi hit another Dropkick and then made his way to the top rope. Ibushi caught him but Tanahashi countered into a Slingblade. Tanahashi then delivered another Dropkick to Ibushi int he corner of the ring. Ibushi and Tanahashi then traded shots as the crowd chanted at each impact.

    Ibushi sent Tanahashi to the apron and then caught him in the ropes. Ibushi then delivered a painful looking Piledriver for a two count as 15 minutes have elapsed in the match. Tanahashi battled with back to back Dragon Screws and then locked in the Cloverleaf in the middle of the ring.

    Kota reached for the ropes but Tanahashi brought him back to the center of the ring. Ibushi fought through the pain as Omega cheered him on and Kota finally was able to grab the bottom rope to break the hold. Tanahashi remained on the attack and brought Ibushi to the apron.

    Tanahashi then grabbed Kota’s knee and delivered another Dragon Screw that sent Kota out of the ring. Tanahashi climbed to the top rope and connected with Crossbody outside the ring. Tanahashi rolled back into the ring as the referee started counting. Ibushi got back into the ring and hit Tanahashi with a Hurricanrana.

    Tanahashi then tumbled out of the ring and Kota hit a beautiful springboard Moonsault off the top rope. Back in the ring, Ibushi connected with a springboard Dropkick and then slapped himself in the face to get fired up. Ibushi perched Tanahashi on the top turnbuckle and set up for a Superplex. Tanahashi knocked Ibushi to the apron but Kota quickly leaped back up and connected with a Frankensteiner from the top rope for another near fall.

    Kota connected with a Belly to Back Suplex and went for the cover but Tanahashi was able to kick out at the last moment. Kota went for a knee to the face but Tanahashi countered into a roll-up for a two count. Ibushi got right back up and connected with the knee to the face this time.

    Ibushi made his way back to his feet but Tanahashi greeted him with a left hand to the face. Kota hit a few massive palm strikes to Tanahashi’s chest and face and then booted him to the corner of the ring. Tanahashi got fired up and shrugged off Kota’s strikes and drove him into the corner of the ring.

    They then traded strikes to the face and neither would back down. Tanahashi connected with a strike but Kota spun around and decked Tanahashi with a massive Clothesline. The energy in the arena was incredible as both men were down on the canvas. Ibushi and Tanahashi pressed their heads against each other and traded shots from their knees.

    Kota connected with a forearm to the face but Tanahashi came right back with a forearm of his own. Tanahashi powered to his feet and punched Ibushi in the face. Kota shook it off and hit another forearm to Tanahashi’s face. Back and forth we go and both refused to back down. Tanahashi hit a flurry of uppercuts but Kota responded with a palm strike. Tanahashi hit a Slingblade for a near fall and followed it up with a straight-jacket German Suplex for a two count.

    Tanahashi climbed to the top rope and leaped off but Kota got his knees up at the last second. Ibushi slowly got up and delivered a knee to the back of Tanahashi’s head. Ibushi then connected with a Moonsault into a Double Knees into Tanahashi’s midsection. Kota followed it up with a Lawn Dart that sent Tanahashi face-first into the turnbuckle.

    Ibushi hit a ridiculous German Suplex from the apron into the ring and followed it up with the Last Ride but Tanahashi somehow kicked out at two. Kota hit another German Suplex for a near fall and then Tanahashi hit a Dragon Suplex out of nowhere for a two count. Tanahashi quickly made his way to the top rope and hit the High Fly Flow. Tanahashi went back to the top rope and hit another one as Ibushi was standing. Tanahashi went back up to the top rope and hit a third High Fly Flow for the pinfall victory.

    G1 Climax Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1028568409225801733

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  • Bullet Club Firing Squad Likely Suspended Following G1 Climax 28

    Bullet Club Firing Squad Likely Suspended Following G1 Climax 28

    Bullet Club’s Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Bad Luck Fale have likely earned themselves a 3-month suspension from NJPW. The Firing Squad members were warned to not interfere in any of today’s B-Block match-ups.

    The faction did interfere during Tama Tonga’s B-Block match, however. They were then escorted from the building. This allowed the night’s main event between Omega and Ibushi to go undisturbed.

    “BULLET CLUB OG; Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Bad Luck Fale have made the unfortunate decision to intervene in matches which have resulted in multiple disqualifications in this G1 CLIMAX 28,” an NJPW press release stated.

    Bullet Club’s Tama Tonga

    “New Japan Pro-Wrestling has made a decision to impose a three-month suspension and a fine to each member(s) of BULLET CLUB OG if they intervene in any G1 CLIMAX 28 tournament B-block match tomorrow.”

    Tama Tonga lost via disqualification to Yano after repeated interference and abuse of the referee. He finished the tournament with 6pts, down from 8pts the previous two years.

    Bad Luck Fale finished with 6pts as well. Previously, his worse tally had been 10pts. This was Fale’s 5th G1 tournament, with his highest total being 12pts. He hit 12 pts in 2014 and 2017 and 10pts in 2015 and 2016.

    Yuji Nagata Speaks Out On Bullet Club OGs

    Yuji Nagata, who had a hand in training Tonga and Fale, spoke out publicly against the group’s actions recently. Nagata spoke with Tokyo Sports recently. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion said NJPW needs to be more selective about who is invited to participate in the G1.

  • Kota Ibushi Defeats Kenny Omega, Advances To G1 Finals

    Kota Ibushi Defeats Kenny Omega, Advances To G1 Finals

    Kota Ibushi defeated Kenny Omega in the main event of today’s G1 Climax 28 show in Tokyo, Japan. In front of a sold-out Nippon Budokan, Ibushi pinned Omega after delivering his second Kamigoye.

    With the win, Kota Ibushi will advance to tomorrow’s finals against Hiroshi Tanahashi. The winner of the tournament will earn the right to challenge the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, 2019.

    The winner of the G1 has earned the Tokyo Dome title shot dating back to 2012. As of yet, no wrestler in that time has dethroned the champion after winning the G1.

    Kenny Omega vs Kota Ibushi III

    Tonight’s match was the third all-time between the Golden Lovers and Golden Elite teammates. Ibushi has won all three matches between them.

    1. DDT, August 6th, 2008 – Kota Ibushi defeated Kenny Omega (2:1 best 2-of-3 falls hardcore match)
    2. DDT, August 18th, 2012 – Kota Ibushi (c) defeated Kenny Omega (KO-D Openweight Title)
    3. NJPW G1 Climax 28 B-Block. August 11th, 2018 – Kota Ibushi defeated Kenny Omega

    Kota Ibushi vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

    Tomorrow’s final between Ibushi and Tanahashi will be the 4th time the two wrestlers have met. Tanahashi leads their all-time series 2-1.

    1. G1 Climax 2015 Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Kota Ibushi
    2. G1 Climax 2017 Block A: Kota Ibushi defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
    3. NJPW Power Struggle 2017: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) defeated Kota Ibushi (IWGP Intercontinental Championship)

    The rest of the lineup for tomorrow’s finals has yet to be announced. Rey Mysterio is also scheduled to be on the card but his match has yet to be announced as well.

    G1 Climax 28 Night 18 (B-Block) Results

    • David Finlay and Michael Elgin defeated Shota Umino and Toa Henare
    • Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa defeated Chase Owens and Hangman Page
    • Marty Scurll and the Young Bucks defeated Jay White and Roppongi 3K
    • Bushi and Evil defeated El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, and Tomoaki Honma defeated Gedo, Kazuchika Okada, and Yoshi-Hashi
    • B-Block
      Toru Yano (10) defeated Tama Tonga (6) via DQ
    • B-Block
      Juice Robinson (6) defeated Hirooki Goto
    • B-Block
      Tomohiro Ishii (10) defeated Sanada (8)
    • B-Block
      Zack Sabre Jr (12) defeated Tetsuya Naito (12)
    • B-Block
      Kota Ibushi (12) defeated Kenny Omega (12)

    Kota Ibushi advances based on having the best record of all 4 wrestlers tied with 12 points in the block.

  • G1 Climax Night 16 Results, Winner of A Block Revealed

    G1 Climax Night 16 Results, Winner of A Block Revealed

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual G1 Climax is widely regarded as the greatest tournament in pro wrestling today. Two blocks of competitors are competing in a round robin format to determine the number 1 contender to Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament is nearing the later stages and here are the results from Night 17:

    Togi Makabe b. Michael Elgin – Makabe took the pinfall win after hitting the King Kong Knee Drop 

    YOSHI-HASHI b. Hangman Page – YOSHI-HASHI took the pinfall win after hitting the Karma

    Minoru Suzuki b. Bad Luck Fale – Suzuki took the DQ win after Tama Tonga interfered and hit the Gun Stun…again

    EVIL b. “Switchblade” Jay White – EVIL took the pinfall win after hitting his namesake signature move

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada ended in a Time Limit Draw – Due to this result Tanahashi advances to the final on Sunday 12th August

    A Block Winner – Hiroshi Tanahashi 

    You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here, Night 13 here, Night 14 here, Night 15 here and Night 16 here.

  • Kenny Omega Comments On New NJPW Rules, Criticizes Tama Tonga

    Kenny Omega Comments On New NJPW Rules, Criticizes Tama Tonga

    New Japan Pro Wrestling released new guidelines for wrestlers yesterday. The promotion is looking to reduce the amount of English-language swearing and obscene gestures seen on their shows.

    Despite this, there was still much swearing and obscene gestures present in yesterday’s show. Juice Robinson in particular, swore several times during his match and Tama Tonga gave the middle-finger to the camera on his way to the ring. Tonga does seem to have relaxed his disdain for trolls on Twitter, however.

    “Those who have been swearing in English in their promos were privately spoken to and asked as best they can to clean up their promos,” Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “All the wrestlers were told this week to not swear or try not to offend people on social media.”

    Kenny Omega Comments On New NJPW Rules and Tama Tonga

    At yesterday’s show, Tama Tonga defeated Kota Ibushi after repeated interference. Kenny Omega attempted to stop the Firing Squad beatdown of his partner but got beaten up himself for his troubles.

    The Firing Squad then interfered in Omega’s match with Yano. The actions of Tama Tonga and company caused the IWGP Heavyweight Champion to lose just his 2nd match of the tournament.

    “Swearing, littering, disrespecting the big dawg… I can possibly forgive all of those. But come on, don’t ruin my once a year Yano vs Kenny Omega match!!!”

    Kenny Omega now has a 2-1 record against Toru Yano in the G1.

  • G1 Supercard Tickets Moving Fast After Pre-Sale

    G1 Supercard Tickets Moving Fast After Pre-Sale

    First-day G1 Supercard ticket sales are very encouraging for Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling

    The quick sell-out of All In has emboldened other wrestling promotions to think big. After All In, the biggest non-WWE event on the calendar is New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor’s G1 Supercard event from Madison Square Garden during WrestleMania 35 weekend.

    Subscribers of Ring of Honor’s Honor Club program got first crack at G1 Supercard tickets on Wednesday. Tickets started at $30 for upper deck and ringside seats cost $300. The event is already shaping up to be a huge success. G1 Supercard is already 60% sold out, according to ROH CEO Joe Koff (via Post Wrestling).

    Madison Square Garden will host its own ticket presale MSG will host their own pre-sale on Thursday. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday morning at 10AM (Eastern).

    How Will WWE React to G1 Supercard Ticket Sales?

    At this rate, it wouldn’t take long before the show sells out. WWE officials were reportedly unhappy with the show even taking place. It will be interesting to see how they react to the strong ticket sales.

    Talent advertised for G1 Supercard includes NJPW stars Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tetsuya Naito.

    Many have speculated WWE will attempt to sign some of the big names involved. Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks are undoubtedly all on WWE’s radar.

    ROH & NJPW’s G1 Supercard will run head-to-head with NXT Takeover in Brooklyn. WWE loves to have one of their new signees sitting ringside at Takeover shows. WWE will have strong competition right down the street on Saturday night, April 6th. What better way to flex their muscle as the world’s top wrestling promotion than to have one of the Bullet Club members watching Takeover from the crowd?

  • G1 Climax Night 16 Results, Updated Standings and Who Can Win B Block?

    G1 Climax Night 16 Results, Updated Standings and Who Can Win B Block?

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual G1 Climax is widely regarded as the greatest tournament in pro wrestling today. Two blocks of competitors are competing in a round robin format to determine the number 1 contender to Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament is nearing the later stages and here are the results from Night 16:

    Tomohiro Ishii b. Juice Robinson – Ishii took the pinfall win after hitting an Enziguri followed by a Brainbuster

    Zack Sabre, Jr. b. Hirooki Goto – ZSJ took the pinfall win with the European Clutch

    Tama Tonga b. Kota Ibushi – Tonga took the pinfall win after hitting a modified ‘pop-up’ Gun Stun

    Toru Yano b. Kenny Omega – Yano took the pinfall win after Tama Tonga hit a Gun Stun on Omega and put Yano on top of the IWGP Heavyweight Champion

    Tetsuya Naito b. SANADA – Naito took the pinfall win after hitting the Destino on his Los Ingobernables De Japon stablemate

    Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega and Tetsuya Naito are now all capable of winning B Block. Ibushi and Omega HAVE to win to make it to the final as they both have a tiebreaker win over Naito. If Omega vs Ibushi ends in a draw and Naito wins against Zack Sabre Jr then he wins B Block

    Here’s the updated standings:

    Tanahashi 14 Kenny Omega 12
    Jay White 12 Tetsuya Naito 12
    Kazuchika Okada 12 Kota Ibushi 10
    Evil 8 Zack Sabre Jr. 10
    Minoru Suzuki 8 Sanada 8
    Michael Elgin 6 Tomohiro Ishii 8
    Hangman Page 6 Hirooki Goto 6
    Bad Luck Fale 6 Tama Tonga 6
    Togi Makabe 4 Juice Robinson 4
    Yoshi-Hashi 4 Toru Yano 4

     

    You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here, Night 13 here, Night 14 here and Night 15 here.

     

     

  • NJPW Bans English-Language Swearing, Additional New Rules Implemented

    NJPW Bans English-Language Swearing, Additional New Rules Implemented

    New Japan Pro Wrestling President, Harold Meij, has handed down several new rules to NJPW athletes today. NJPW sent out a notice to fans yesterday stating there would be new guidelines issued to wrestlers. This was mentioned as having to do with the actions of Tama Tonga and the Firing Squad during this year’s G1 tournament.

    The company sent out a Japanese-language press release today which will likely be sent to English-language media in the near future.

    NJPW Bans English-Language Swearing and Middle Fingers

    “New Japan Wrestling is about to change now,” NJPW’s press release states. “Even if you do not want to change it’s coming to a stage (scale) you have to change. It is a story of moral rather than a story of the content of the game.”

    The press release continues to say certain actions of wrestlers were previously not a problem. Now that NJPW is broadcast all over the world, however, these same things will now need to change.

    “Now that it has become possible to see New Japan Wrestling from all over the world,” the release continues. “There are things that can be regarded as a problem if it is from overseas.”

    “For example, setting up a middle finger or emitting a broadcast prohibited word (swear word) by live broadcast is absolutely out of rule on broadcasting and ethics from overseas, even if it is not a pin for a Japanese customer.”

    The press release even continues to say that wrestlers using heel-like tactics often does not translate well into society at large.

    There was no mention of Tama Tonga in the press release. The release continues to say they will take action against offending wrestlers in the future. It does not appear any action has been taken against Tama Tonga or any members of the Firing Squad at this time, however.

  • NJPW To Impose New Rules Due To Tama Tonga’s Actions

    NJPW To Impose New Rules Due To Tama Tonga’s Actions

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced they will be issuing new guidelines to wrestlers shortly. The new rules are due to the frequent interference via the Firing Squad during the G1 Climax tournament as well as Tama Tonga’s actions outside the ring during the last few weeks.

    “NJPW takes actions taken by our wrestlers seriously,” an NJPW press release reads. “In light of recent inappropriate conduct by Tama Tonga including SNS usage, the company has decided to take disciplinary actions against said wrestlers, and will issue updated guidelines to all wrestlers.”

    By SNS usage, the company is referring to Tonga’s actions on the Social Network Site (SNS) Twitter. Tonga has frequently come into contact with many users on Twitter who he has later compared to a flavor of Doritos.

    Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale In The G1 Climax 28

    4 nights remain in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. The B-Block has just two remaining nights of round-robin and the A-Block only one. Then the finals of the tournament will take place Sunday in Tokyo.

    Tama Tonga currently has 4pts in the tournament while his stablemate Bad Luck Fale who has 6pts.

    In addition to the A Block Winner facing the B Block Winner on Sunday, Rey Mysterio is also signed on for the event. The famous luchador’s opponent has yet to be named, however.

  • Juice Robinson Comments On Poor G1 Climax 28 Record Thus Far

    Juice Robinson Comments On Poor G1 Climax 28 Record Thus Far

    Juice Robinson has two matches remaining in the round-robin portion of this year’s G1 Climax tournament. So far, Juice has only managed a 2W-5L record. Last year in his first-ever G1, he finished with 8pts and a 4W-5L record.

    He still has a chance to tie his record from last year. He’ll have to defeat Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto for that to happen, however. Juice commented on his performance in the tournament thus far and his upcoming matches recently backstage.

    Juice Robinson G1 Climax 28

    “What am I dead last? Do I even deserve to have this on my shoulder?” Robinson asked in regard to his IWGP United States Championship. “Well, we’re about to find out.”

    Robinson is referring to the potential he will have to defend his championship against any and possibly all of the competitors who have defeated him in the G1 tournament thus far.

    He has lost round-robin matches to Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega, Tama Tonga, Tetsuya Naito, and Zack Sabre Jr. It’s unlikely Omega would choose to challenge for the US title as he is already the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Naito has already said NJPW has too many titles and probably won’t challenge Juice for the title either. Ibushi will likely be involved in another angle as well. Either Tama Tonga or Zack Sabre Jr could challenge Juice in the near future, however.

  • Tama Tonga Issues Warning To Kota Ibushi Ahead of G1 Clash

    Tama Tonga Issues Warning To Kota Ibushi Ahead of G1 Clash

    Tama Tonga is currently competing in his 3rd G1 Climax tournament. In both his two previous tournaments (2016 and 2017) he finished with a 4W-5L record and 8pts.

    With two matches remaining, Tonga currently has just 4pts. Despite his poor record thus far, it has been a memorable tournament for Tonga. Along with his stablemates in Bullet Club’s Firing Squad, Tonga has been interfering in matches frequently in contrast to what is normally seen in the annual heavyweight round-robin tournament.

    His next match will be against Kenny Omega’s Golden Lovers’ teammate, Kota Ibushi. Tonga directed his most recent post-match comments towards his upcoming opponent.

    “That’s nothing compared to what I’m going to do to you in Yokohama,” Tonga said in reference to the Firing Squad attack on the Golden Elite in San Francisco

    Kenny Omega vs Kota Ibushi

    Tama Tonga vs Kota Ibushi will be Tonga’s 2nd last match in the round-robin portion of the tournament. If he defeats Kota Ibushi and Toru Yano he’ll finish with 8pts as he has in previous tournaments.

    In the opening moments their preliminary match yesterday against Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi, Tonga and Tanga Loa offered Takahashi a spot in the Firing Squad. The brothers had previously said that had Takahashi not hesitated to join in the attack in San Francisco, he’d have been in the Firing Squad originally as well. Takahashi didn’t accept and the Guerillas attacked the two members of Bullet Club Elite from behind.

    “Yujiro! What did we tell you?” Tanga Loa asked after the match. “We offered you another opportunity and you didn’t take it.”

    “You should have been with us,” he continued. “You got what you deserved,” Tama Tonga added.

    “Golden Lovers?” Tonga asked about his upcoming opponent’s tag-team. “This is wrestling, not a p*** flick.”

  • Kenny Omega Calls Toru Yano The “Biggest Joke Of A Wrestler”

    Kenny Omega Calls Toru Yano The “Biggest Joke Of A Wrestler”

    Following Kenny Omega’s last match in the G1, his undefeated streak had been ended and he was bleeding profusely from the mouth. Tomohiro Ishii defeated Omega Saturday, evening their all-time series at 2 wins each.

    Omega still leads the B-Block with 12pts, a 6-1 record, and just two round-robin matches left to go.

    He will face Ishii’s CHAOS stablemate, Toru Yano, on Wednesday. Following Omega’s preliminary tag-team match yesterday, he had the following to say to the members of CHAOS:

    Kenny Omega vs Toru Yano

    “We’re focussing more and more these days on being a G-rated product,” Omega said. “I’m doing my best to give you a profanity-less, a profanity-light promo, but it doesn’t help when you have guys like CHAOS members cheating every day.”

    He would then move his attention to Toru Yano.

    “Toru Yano, I’ll I have to do is beat you and once I beat you, I am pretty much guaranteed a slot in the G1 Finals. I can do it,” Omega continued. “I’ll I have to do is beat the biggest joke of a wrestler in the G1.”

    Omega is the only person in the B-Block who controls his own fate. With two matches left, if Omega defeats Toru Yano and then Kota Ibushi, he wins the B-Block. Only Naito and Ibushi can catch Omega at this point. Omega holds the tie-breaker over Naito as a result of their match on the 2nd night of the tournament. Ibushi also holds the tie-breaker over Naito.

    Omega and Yano have met each of the last two years in the G1 with Omega winning each time.

  • G1 Climax Night 15 Results and Updated Standings

    G1 Climax Night 15 Results and Updated Standings

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual G1 Climax is widely regarded as the greatest tournament in pro wrestling today. Two blocks of competitors are competing in a round robin format to determine the number 1 contender to Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament is nearing the later stages and here are the results from Night 15:

    • YOSHI-HASHI b. Bad Luck Fale – YOSHI-HASHI took the win via disqualification after Tama Tonga ran in and used a chair
    • Hangman Page b. Minoru Suzuki – Page took the pinfall win after reversing a Gotch Piledriver into a Rite of Passage
    • “Switchblade” Jay White b. Togi Makabe – White took the pinfall win after hitting Makabe with a chair and a Blade Runner
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Michael Elgin – Tanahashi took the pinfall win with an inside cradle
    • Kazuchika Okada b. EVIL – Okada took the pinfall win after blocking an EVIL attempt and hitting two Rainmakers

    Here are the updated standings:

     
    Block A Block B
    Hiroshi Tanahashi 14 Kenny Omega 12
    Jay White 12 Kota Ibushi 10
    Kazuchika Okada 12 Tetsuya Naito 10
    Minoru Suzuki 8 Zack Sabre Jr. 8
    Evil 8 Sanada 8
    Michael Elgin 6 Hirooki Goto 6
    Bad Luck Fale 6 Tomohiro Ishii 6
    Hangman Page 6 Juice Robinson 4
    Togi Makabe 4 Tama Tonga 4
    Yoshi-Hashi 4 Toru Yano 2

     

    You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here, Night 13 here and Night 14 here.

  • G1 Climax Night 14 Results and Updated Standings

    G1 Climax Night 14 Results and Updated Standings

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual G1 Climax is widely regarded as the greatest tournament in pro wrestling today. Two blocks of competitors are competing in a round robin format to determine the number 1 contender to Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament is nearing the later stages and here are the results from Night 14:

    • SANADA b. Toru Yano by – SANADA took the win via countout after taping Yano on the outside
    • Hirooki Goto b. Tama Tonga by – Goto took the win via disqualification as Bad Luck Fale interfered…again
    • Zack Sabre, Jr. b. Juice Robinson – ZSJ took the win via submission with a unique figure four/ode to Jim Breaks combo
    • Tomohiro Ishii b. Kenny Omega – Ishii took the shock pinfall win after hitting the Vertical Drop Brainbuster
    • Kota Ibushi b. Tetsuya Naito – Ibushi took the pinfall win after hitting the Kamigoye

    Here are the updated standings:

    Block A Block B
    Hiroshi Tanahashi 12 Kenny Omega 12
    Jay White 10 Kota Ibushi 10
    Kazuchika Okada 10 Tetsuya Naito 10
    Minoru Suzuki 8 Zack Sabre Jr. 8
    Evil 8 Sanada 8
    Michael Elgin 6 Hirooki Goto 6
    Bad Luck Fale 6 Tomohiro Ishii 6
    Hangman Page 4 Juice Robinson 4
    Togi Makabe 4 Tama Tonga 4
    Yoshi-Hashi 2 Toru Yano 2

     

    You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here and Night 13 here.

  • NJPW Releases First English-Language Mobile Game “King Of Sport”

    NJPW Releases First English-Language Mobile Game “King Of Sport”

    Earlier this week, NJPW released a mobile game for IOS and Android devices. It is the promotion’s first English-language mobile game.

    The game is free to download and features NJPW stars such as Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    On iOS (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kosnjpw/id1365384823

    On Android (Google Play):https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.njpw.spprowus

    Yoshi-Hashi on offense???:

    Can you defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship 13 straight times?

    Wrestlers have their signature moves and Tetsuya Naito can even be Tranquilo:

    NJPW King of Sport

    A unique feature of the game is that players are awarded points for not just winning matches but also making them exciting. Players are awarded points for making comebacks, kicking out of near-falls, and other crowd-pleasing moves.

     “Players can choose their favorite NJPW stars with their signature moves to compete for the championship!” A press release for the game reads. “Players can also create their own custom character, select special moves, and train them to become a champion. Online Battle mode allows you to play against others in real-time. Featuring both singles and tag team matches, King of Sports is full of excitement and real action that only New Japan Pro-Wrestling can deliver.”

    Not only are all the top NJPW stars included in the game but there is an advanced character creator mode as well. As of this writing, I’ve currently created myself as a young lion in the junior heavyweight division and am learning new moves in the New Japan Dojo.

    The loading screens also feature real pictures and descriptions of famous NJPW moments.

    On iOS (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kosnjpw/id1365384823

    On Android (Google Play):https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.njpw.spprowus