A match featuring Minoru Suzuki ended abruptly this week after a serious accident resulted in the veteran being raced to a nearby emergency hospital.
Suzuki was competing in the main event of a show for the Tenryu Project when the accident occurred. The match as quickly called off by the referee and he was taken to an emergency hospital. There, Suzuki was found to have no bleeding in his head and was diagnosed with a concussion.
Details are currently scarce on Suzuki’s present condition, though it’s expected he will not return to the ring until he is medically cleared to do so. That could disrupt plans in All Elite Wrestling as Suzuki was set to embark on a feud with FTW Champion Chris Jericho. On the June 26, episode of AEW Dynamite, Suzuki rejected Jericho’s offer to be his partner for a trios match at Forbidden Door and laid out the challenge for the FTW title. Jericho instead teamed with Jeff Cobb and Big Bill at Forbidden Door in a losing effort to HOOK, Samoa Joe, and Katsuyori Shibata.
Minoru Suzuki will fight anyone, anytime and that includes mixing it up with the governor of Tokyo.
A wrestling social media sensation over the weekend came courtesy of DDT Pro as the promotion featured a streetcar match between Suzuki and Sanshiro Takagi. The audience paid to be on the train for the 55-minute long match as they moved at the frantic pace of eight miles an hour. They got to see Suzuki pick up the win after delivering a Gotch-Style Piledriver, but the battle was not without its share of cameos.
Not only did the legendary Jushin Thunder Liger appear, but so did the Governor of Tokyo. Yuriko Koike got a little physical when she delivered a chop to Suzuki. Suzuki raised the stakes even higher when he brandished a firearm at some point during the battle. After the fight, Suzuki issued his own comments on the experience, stating that he’d be up for fighting anywhere, even if its out of this atmosphere.
“Next time, I’ll do it on a deserted island like he said, or on an airplane, rocket, or even inside a space station! Everyone was smiling. I realized once again that pro wrestling is engraved in the DNA of the Japanese people.”
Suzuki may have been fighting in Tokyo, but he’s got a busy schedule in the United States. He actually just issued a challenge to Chris Jericho in a singles match this past week on AEW Dynamite and is now one of the featured members of the revamped CONTRA Unit in Major League Wrestling. Suzuki will be going up against AKIRA on July 12 when MLW makes its way to St. Petersburg for Blood & Thunder.
The Melrose Ballroom in New York City was SOLD OUT and for good reason as Intimidation Games packed a punch with three promotions coming together under Major League Wrestling! Not one, not two, not three, but four titles were on the line in The Big Apple and the PLE starts off in a big way with World Middleweight gold!
MATCH 1
MLW World Middleweight Championship
Mistico (with Cesar Duran) vs. Rocky Romero (c) (with Salina de la Renta)
Rocky had a gameplan in place for this match, but it was saturated in disrespect as the champion attempted to get Mistico off his game by nearly tearing the challenger’s mask off his face.
The whole fight, which was full of many close calls, was teetering back and forth between both luchadors and even though Rocky tried to get Mistico off his game by literally ripping his mask, it didn’t deter the challenger from achieving his goal. He stayed true to his high-flying strategy and caught Rocky off-guard with his unbelievable headscissors to fujiwa armbar, causing the champ to immediately tap out!
WINNER and NEW MLW World Middleweight Champion: Mistico
Post-fight, Duran wanted Rocky to put his hair on the line in a hair vs. mask fight, but Rocky was not obliging.
MATCH 2
NYC Street Fight
The Calling vs. AKIRA & Jake Crist
AKIRA and Crist waste zero time in attacking Rickey Shane Page and Sami Callihan as they take The Calling out and then dive on top of them to the outside.
The battle lives up to the stipulation as weapons are certainly used with Sami resorting to paper cuts and RSP making the most of his brute strength. RSP was cagey throughout this entire fight as he used size and speed against his former tag partner in AKIRA. However, both AKIRA and Crist did have an unexpected ace up their sleeve.
It was reported that Raven was lurking in the Melrose Ballroom somewhere, but when Cannonball went to get the tables from underneath the ring, they got the Blue Meanie instead!
Boards were broken, but spirits weren’t as AKIRA almost relished in the challenge at fighting RSP and Sami. He nearly was about to get the win with The Death Penalty, but was fought off and Crist got tangled with RSP. Sami took the opportunity to low blow Crist and RSP got him in a backslide and 1-2-3!
AKIRA immediately goes on the attack to RSP and chaos ensues as the numbers games gets the advantage for The Calling. However, help is on the way as Jimmy Lloyd comes running down to help ward The Calling off! Sami wanted the trio to fight more, but sure enough, Raven appears on the big screen.
Raven asks that that Sami and RSP want to steal the name The Calling? Call his new faction The Response – “quote the Raven, nevermore.”
We see Tom Lawlor, MSL and Davey Boy Smith Jr are in the men’s bathroom and they feel it’s a good time to stake their claim for the World Tag Team gold. The Bulldog is relieving himself and doesn’t wash his hands as he makes clear it’s either “tap or snap” for Second Gear Crew.
MATCH 3
Bobby Fish vs. Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas & Faye Jackson)
Alex Kane is clearly focused and needs to be tonight against a game Bobby Fish. Fish is very much feeling confident and shows it in his offense.However, both men are quick to lock up and they work the ground game. Kane starts off on the offensive, and even locks in the Fade To Black early. Fish may have got a cheap shot in and then focuses on the left knee. It becomes a target for Bobby.
He has Kane on the defensive quite a bit in the bout, but Fish a little too cocky and he gets taken to Suplex Island. Sure enough, Kane finds the right opportunity and chokes Fish out in the Fade To Black!
WINNER: Alex Kane
Kane gets on the mic to acknowledge the fans in NYC, but AJ Francis stops the celebration. He says that many fans don’t even realize BOMAYE came from Muhammad Ali, but ended up dropping a bombshell on the group. “Some people in your ranks, may not be as loyal as you think they are.” The crowd “ooo’s” at that one as both Mr. Thomas and Faye dismiss that notion.
WTF (Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr. w/ MSL) vs. Second Gear Crew (c)
WTF make it a point to try to take Manders out of the equation as DBS goes back to his hoss fight ways by delivering stiff elbows to the Corn Belt Cowboy. Matthew Justice rises to the occasion and splashes the sports entertainment out of DBS and Lawlor. However, once Manders gets back in, WTF take control. They go for the Hart Attack on Manders but Justice puls Lawlor out. SGC focus on DBS and hit him with a harsh spear and lariat combo. That’s curtains but Lawlor pulls referee Frank Gastineau out!
A table get presented and Lawlor is the one to fall victim to it. He gets Tornado DDT’ed by Justice through it in an amazing double team. Lawlor is twitching in pain as Manders covers: 1-2-no! MSL, who came in wearing a helmet to the ring, gets slugged by Manders. However, out comes Brett Ryan Gosselin and it allows DBS to grab the helmet and hits Manders with it. He gets covered by Tom Lawlor: 1-2-3. New champs!
WINNERS and NEW MLW World Tag Team Champions: WTF
The feed soon cuts and we see Mads Krule Krugger. He’s ready for one last war and he’s going to unleash his “new blood” into the league. “HAIL CONTRA!”
MATCH 5
NJPW World Television Championship
Bad Dude Tito vs. Matt Riddle (c)
Both Riddle and Tito are game for this fight as each competitor shows speed, athleticism and strength is shown. Suplexes are readily exchanged before kicks and strikes are exchanged. Tito gets the better of the exchange with a massive lariat.
Tito says he’s gonna rip Riddle’s head off. However, Riddle hits a fisherman’s buster and then follows up with a Broton Bomb for two near falls. “BRO” chants echo throughout the Melrose Ballroom.
Tito spinebusters Riddle down and hits a frog splash for his own near fall. More strikes are exchanged. Riddle goes on a flurry but Tito slows him down when he gets his knees up. Tito knows how to grapple and it’s evident in this match.
Hard forearms are traded between the two and then so are strikes and suplexes. Tito hits a blue thunder bomb and it’s a near fall. Only 15 minutes in this fight. Riddle manages to hit a package tombstone and it’s good for the pinfall win.
WINNER
and STILL NJPW World Television Champion: Matt Riddle
Salina de la Renta walks out with a bag of cash and issues the challenge to anybody in the back. Out comes a game Zoey Cannon from Boston. A quick boot to the corner then a massive roundhouse knocks Zoey out cold quickly. The ref calls for the bell.
WINNER: Janai Kai
We cut to Cesar Duran who is smiling proudly in his office with the Middleweight Title sitting in front of him. He issues a new challenge to Salina. He wants her best luchador in the War Chamber. Who will she chose?
It’s main event time.
MAIN EVENT
MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Minoru Suzuki vs. Satoshi Kojima (c)
It should be noted that Kojima hasn’t competed in MLW or NJPW since his last Major League match. However, these two men know one another way too well and Suzuki is sadistic in his gameplan, greatly torquing the leg of Kojima.
Strong style and fighting spirit is greatly shown in this fight, but sportsmanship is out the window as Minoru makes plenty of moments to taunt his longtime rival. Kojima does hit Suzuki with a Kojima cutter and a lariato, but doesn’t get all of the latter. However, the two-time champ perseveres and nails a crisp one on the undefeated fighter in MLW and gets the emphatic 1-2-3!
WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima
While much of his bookings have been committed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in recent years, Minoru Suzuki, who remains a freelancer, has exercised his option to extend his reach elsewhere as well. Within the last two months, Suzuki has found himself competing for the likes of AJPW, RevPro, and All Elite Wrestling.
Earlier today, the veteran performer issued a statement about his future in professional wrestling, noting his desire to expand his travels even further. As such, Suzuki said he is giving back the “Strong Style” name back to NJPW, as he and his fellow stablemate El Desperado are no longer in need of it.
“I’m giving back to New Japan the name Strong Style that I borrowed a year ago,” Suzuki wrote (translated).
“Me and Despe don’t need it anymore. I’ve made new friends, had a lot of fun, and a lot of things happened… I’ve been to New Japan Pro Wrestling for quite some time, but my professional wrestling life is still in the middle of a journey. In order to become even stronger… on a journey of freedom… let’s set sail.”
Strong Style, of course, served as the faction name for the trio of Suzuki, El Desperado, and Ren Narita in NJPW.
Earlier this week, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling revealed that Minoru Suzuki will be making his promotional debut at their upcoming Grand Princess event on March 31. There, Suzuki will take on the “Fired Idol” Maki Itoh in a first-time singles matchup.
Last month, Suzuki made a notable appearance in AEW as he wrestled fellow veteran Adam Copeland in the main event of AEW Dynamite.
Aside from his friend turned enemy in Christian Cage, Adam Copeland has his toughest competition forthcoming this week on AEW Dynamite in Minoru Suzuki.
In light of the first-ever battle between two long-established veterans, Copeland took a moment to comment on the fight. AEW shared a clip of the former TNT Champion lamenting for his eagerness to step into the ring with a legend of NJPW.
“Minoru Suzuki vs. ‘The Rated R Superstar.’ Man, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. We are gonna beat the hell out of each other – two grizzly gnarled evil bastards beating eachother up and I can’t wait.
“Suzuki I know what you’re going to bring, I hope you know what I’m going to bring. I’m gonna sum this match up in three words for all of you. Grit your teeth.”
Minoru Suzuki has squared up against several top stars in AEW including Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston and current AEW World Champion Samoa Joe. Back at Forbidden Door, Suzuki also stood across the ring from a different WWE Hall of Famer in Sting as he teamed up with Jericho and Sammy Guevara to battle The Icon, Darby Allin and Tetsuya Naito in trios action.
AEW Dynamite this week sure has a stacked card on Wednesday. Not only do fans get Copeland vs. Suzuki, but will get to see Swerve Strickland vs. Jeff Hardy and Hangman Page take on Penta El Zero Miedo in singles action. Additionally, the aforementioned Sting and Darby Allin will be in attendance
While fans are excited about the title bout, but the New Japan Pro Wrestling veteran isn’t letting the hype distract him. In an interview with Sports Illustrated the champion shared his thoughts on his upcoming title defense against Joe.
“Many fans think this matchup is very special, but for me, I have to stay true to myself,” Suzuki told Justin Barrasso. “…I am here to hurt people. The opponent truly does not matter. This week, I will make Samoa Joe suffer.”
More on Minoru Suzuki’s Thoughts on Samoa Joe
Wrestling fans are expecting Suzuki vs. Joe to be a very physical match. Both competitors have a very aggressive and hard-hitting style in the ring, making for a fascinating title match. The man who is (lovingly) known as Murder Grandpa is ready for the title defense. However, he questions if Joe is prepared for what he plans to do.
“People are brave until they step into the ring with me, said Suzuki (h/t Barrasso). He explained, “Hopefully, Samoa Joe is not scared. I don’t know him well, but he will know me by the time we are done.”
Suzuki concluded by saying, “…I hurt people, that is what I do. Samoa Joe is going to feel a lot of pain.”
The Apr. 13 episode of AEW Dynamite could be an exciting show based on the matches announced. The episode also has the AEW Tag Team Champions Jurassic Express defending their titles against reDRagon. It’s unclear which title match will be the main event of this week’s AEW Dynamite.
Jay Lethal also teased a present for Joe on this week’s episode. Lethal could have some interference in the title bout, which may upset fans. Although, it may lead to a feud between Lethal and Joe, who have a history from their time in Impact Wrestling. Regardless, the matchups of Suzuki vs. Joe and Jurassic Express vs. reDRagon could result in good TV rating numbers for AEW.
Impact Wrestling on 11/4 continued the build to Turning Point later this month. The main event featured the in-ring promotional debut for Minoru Suzuki.
Impact 11/4 Quick Results:
X-Division #1 Contendership Fatal 4-way Laredo Kid defeated Rohit Raju, Black Taurus, Steve Maclin
Eric Young defeated Jai Vidal
The Good Brothers vs FinJuice – No Contest
Knockouts Championship Mickie James (c) defeated Madison Rayne
Chris Sabin defeated Madman Fulton w/Ace Austin
Moose, W. Morrissey & Minoru Suzuki defeated Josh Alexander, Eddie Edwards, & Matt Cardona
Laredo Kid picked up a victory in the #1 contendership match for Trey Miguel’s X-Division Championship in this week’s opening contest. After Steve Maclin took Taurus out with a suicide dive to the outside, it left Laredo and Raju in the ring together. Raju tried to roll him up and grab the tights but Laredo Kid kicked out and sent Raju crashing into Maclin on the ring apron. This allowed him to hit a Michinoku Driver for the win.
After the match, Miguel came out to congratulate his next challenger but both were attacked from behind by Steve Maclin. Miguel and Laredo Kid then worked together to fight off Maclin and sent him to the outside with a double dropkick to end the segment.
Eric Young cut a promo before making his in-ring return after 6 months this week. He said that Rhino made the wrong decision at Bound for Glory. He also said that his opponent, Jai Vidal, has the “disease” and Young has the “cure.”
Young then won quick with a piledriver in convincing fashion.
Bullet Club Cause No-Contest In Good Brothers vs FinJuice Match
The Good Brothers faced FinJuice this week in a non-title match. The match was later ruled a no-contest after all 3 members of Impact’s Bullet Club faction interfered. Hikuleo, El Phantasmo, and Chris Bey hit the ring as all 4 wrestlers were down. They hit low-blows and belt shots on all 4 and posed with the Good Brothers Impact tag-team titles to end the segment.
Later in the show, Juice Robinson and David Finlay complained in the back about Bullet Club’s interference. Scott D’Amore then made a match for next week between them and Bullet Club with the winner to face the Good Brothers for the tag titles.
Mickie James Retains Title Against Madison Rayne, Mercedes Martinez Next In Line
Some veterans of the Knockouts division squared off once again with the title on the line here. These two met 4x for the Knockouts belt in 2011, each winning twice. The finish of this match here came when James took out Kaleb with a K on the outside and then hit Rayne with a diving attack from the top rope for the win.
After the match, the winner of the Knockouts Knockdown tournament Mercedes Martinez came to the ring to confront the champion. Martinez respectfully addressed James but said that she was not there to praise the champion, she’s there to challenge her at Turning Point.
The Iinspiration Recruit Undead Bridesmaids To Take On Decay
It was an interesting week for the new Knockouts tag team champions, the Iinspiration. A show long angle took place involving them and former Knockouts tag champs, Decay. First, the new champs were scheduled for an appearance on Locker Room talk but the members of Decay haunted the set.
They later decided that they needed to recruit the Undead Bridesmaids to take on Decay. Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay seemed a little disturbed by all the spookiness going on. It looks as though the Undead Bridesmaids are willing to take on Decay for them, however. That match was later made official for next week.
Ace Austin was seen wearing a “I Beat Chris Sabin” t-shirt backstage after defeating him last week. This week, Sabin took on Austin’s ally, Madman Fulton and won with a small package. Austin tried to attack him after the match but Sabin quickly escaped to the outside.
The main event saw several potential feuds and angles take place. Minoru Suzuki and Josh Alexander appear to be on a collision course as Suzuki took him out with a Gotch-style piledriver near the end of the match. The finish came when Morrissey hit Edwards with a big boot followed by a power bomb for the win. The heels celebrated in the ring to close the show.
Coming Up In Impact Wrestling
Turning Point – November 20th
Knockouts Tag Team Championships The Iinspiration (Jessie McKay & Cassie Lee) (c) vs Decay (Rosemary & Havok)
X-Division Championship Trey Miguel (c) vs Laredo Kid
Knockouts Championship Mickie James (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
Next Week:
Digital Media Championship (BTI) Jordynne Grace (c) vs John Skyler
Undead Bridesmaids (Kimber Lee & Brandi Lauren) vs Decay (Rosemary & Havok)
Bullet Club (Chris Bey & Hikuleo) vs FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson)
Impact Wrestling 9/28 featured the fallout from Bound For Glory. Moose made his first appearance as the new Impact World Champion and Minoru Suzuki made his promotional debut.
Impact 9/28 Quick Results:
X-Division Championship Trey Miguel defeated Rocky Romero
Rachael Ellering defeated Tasha Steelz
Heath vs Joe Doering – No Contest
Ace Austin defeats Chris Sabin
Moose Cuts First Promo As Champion, Josh Alexander & Minoru Suzuki Interrupt
"It doesn't matter how elite you are, it doesn't matter what tribe you're chief to, it doesn't matter if you're the boss, the man…hell you can add a new day to the week – I'm still the greatest champion in all of professional wrestling." #IMPACTonAXSTV@TheMooseNationpic.twitter.com/YCeeFj6K00
Moose cut his first promo as Impact World Champion to kick off the show. He alluded to champions from other promotions before stating that he is the greatest champion in all of pro-wrestling. The man he cashed in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy against, Josh Alexander, hit the ring and attacked Moose, sending him running into the crowd. Just then, Minoru Suzuki’s music hit and he came to the ring. Suzuki and Alexander then came face-to-face. Alexander turned his attention back to Moose but Suzuki turned him around and the two began exchanging blows. Security eventually came out to separate Alexander and Suzuki.
Trey Miguel Successfully Defends X-Division Title, Attacked By Steve Maclin
Trey Miguel successfully defended his newly won X-Division Championship in the first match of the night against NJPW’s Rocky Romero. After a difficult match, Miguel was attacked from behind by Steve Maclin. Maclin hung Miguel up in the Tree of Woe and delivered a spear.
Later in the show, Maclin pointed out that Miguel’s never beaten him and nobody in Impact has defeated him. Scott D’Amore then said he would give him an opportunity to qualify for an X-Division title match next week.
After a backstage confrontation between Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering and Tasha Steelz & Savannah Evans, a match was made with Ellering taking on Steelz. After a back-and-forth match, Ellering picked up the victory with a back-slide after countering a cutter from Steelz.
The feud between Heath & Rhino and Violent By Design continued this week. A match between Heath and Joe Doering was thrown out after Rhino and Deaner started brawling in the ring. Rhino was then going to get his hands on Eric Young but EY backed away, noting that he was still injured. It turns out Young is all cleared, however, as he would then get involved as VBD used the numbers advantage to take out both Heath and Rhino. Young gave Heath a piledriver to close the segment.
Mickie James came out to cut her first promo since winning the Knockouts title at Bound for Glory. She praised Deonna Purrazzo for giving her the toughest fight of her life but was then interrupted by Madison Rayne. Rayne then challenged her to a title match next week, which James accepted.
The main event this week saw Chris Sabin and Ace Austin go one-on-one. It looked as though Sabin had the match in control but Madman Fulton then got involved from the outside. After a big punch from Fulton, Austin hit the fold on Sabin and got the 1-2-3.
Coming Up In Impact Wrestling
Next Week:
Minoru Suzuki, W.Morrissey, and Moose vs Eddie Edwards, Josh Alexander, and Matt Cardona
Knockouts Championship Mickie James (c) vs Madison Rayne
X-Division #1 Contendership Rohit Raju vs Laredo Kid vs Black Taurus vs Steve Maclin
Digital Media Championship #1 Contendership John Skyler vs Chelsea Green
Suzuki didn’t participate in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. This allowed the “King of Pancrase” to travel to the United States. Suzuki made his mark for various promotions including AEW, Impact Wrestling, and GCW.
Playtime is over in the “Land of the Free,” however as Minoru Suzuki is returning to “The Land of the Rising Sun.” Suzuki expressed gratitude on his Instagram account (rough translation via Google).
“The entire two-month long tour ‘Minoru Suzuki’s Alone National Circuit Tour’ (long laughter) has been completed, and I’m leaving the hotel for the airport. Two months spent with American professional wrestling fans. I carved a lot of experience and wounds on my body. No … I’m getting stronger again. .. .. You can live anywhere in the world with professional wrestling!
“See you next time… I’m the KING.”
Suzuki certainly made the most of his time in America. He mixed it up with the likes of Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Jonathan Gresham, Nick Gage, and Josh Alexander. Time will tell what’s next for Suzuki in NJPW but judging by his social media post, we may have not seen the last of him in the United States.
GCW War Ready took place on Saturday night from Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Several stars from promotions outside of Game Changer made appearances during the event, including some from Ring of Honor/ROH, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Major League Wrestling/MLW.
The Briscoes made a shock appearance during the last weekender that GCW put on, appearing to challenge the GCW Tag Team Champions Mance Warner Matthew Justice of Second Gear Crew.
ROH’s top tag team got their opportunity to fight for the titles at this event, and the match would headline alongside EFFY vs Psycho Clown and Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki facing the Deathmatch King, Nick Gage.
Here are the full results from the show, which is available to watch back on FITE TV on demand.
GCW War Ready Results
Allie Katch b. Gringo Loco, Lucas Riley, ASF, Matt Vandagriff, Gaston, JTG, and Eli Everfly (Eight-Way Scramble Match)
Alex Zayne b. Jonathan Gresham
Ninja Mack b. Arez
Chris Dickinson and Starboy Charlie b. Jacob Fatu and Juicy Finau
AJ Gray b. Dark Sheik
Jordan Oliver vs. Nick Wayne – ended in a No Contest
GCW Tag Team Championship Match – The Briscoes b. Second Gear Crew (Mance Warner and Matthew Justice) – New Champions
The NJPW Strong Showdown tapings were held from the 2300 arena in Philadelphia over the weekend. The tapings featured stars such as Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley, Minoru Suzuki and more.
SEScoops correspondent Samira was on hand for both nights and sent in these detailed results.
Showdown saw several big announcements, including the confirmation of the NJPW debut of former WWE star Buddy Matthews for an upcoming show in November.
The main event match of the first night of tapings saw Suzuki going up against Chris Dickinson. He defeated Dickinson using his signature gotch-style piledriver.
The second night featured a Philly street fight between the teams of Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer and Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston for the main event.
This extreme match was won by the team of Suzuki and Archer with the opponents shaking hands at the end. Here are the quick results from both nights of NJPW Strong Showdown tapings
NJPW Strong Showdown Night 1 Results:
Hikuleo defeated Kevin Knight
Bateman, Misterioso, and Barrett Brown, defeated Brody King, Karl Fredericks, and The DKC: Bateman pinned DKC to win the match for his team.
JR Kratos, Royce Isaacs, and Jorel Nelson defeated David Finlay, Alex Coughlin, and Yuya Uemura: Isaacs won the match for his team when he pinned Uemura with some help from Nelson. Kratos and Coughlin got into a fight after this match. Crowd chanted “F**k you Kratos” and in response, Kratos flipped everyone off.
Juice Robinson defeated El Phantasmo: After the match, Juice called out Impact Wrestling star Moose.
Alex Zayne defeated Ariya Daivari: The two showed respect to each other by shaking hands at the end.
Fred Rosser & Rocky Romero defeated Tom Lawlor & Danny Limelight: Rosser pinned Lawlor for the win. In response, Lawlor attacked him after the match. Danny then gave scissors to Lawler. Lawlor ended up cutting Rossers’ hair while the crowd chanted “you sick f**k”
Ren Narita & Clark Connors defeated Will Ospreay & TJP: Ospreay tried to attack Narita after the bout but Narita countered. He then got on the mic and expressed the desire to face Will Ospreay.
Jay White defeated Fred Yehi: post-match, Jay White issued an open invitation for anyone from any company to come and fight him for the Never Openweight title.
Minoru Suzuki defeated Chris Dickinson: After the match, Suzuki says tomorrow night: “Jon Moxley. Eddie Kingston. F**k you.”
NJPW Strong Showdown Night 2 Results:
Yuya Uemura & Kevin Knight defeated Juice Robinson & David Finlay
El Phantasmo & Chris Bey defeated Lio Rush & Ariya Daivari: Bey pinned Daviari for the win
Jonathan Gresham defeated Alex Coughlin: The two shaked hands after the match
Fred Rosser, Karl Fredericks, Rocky Romero, Ren Narita & The DKC vs. Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos, Royce Isaacs, Jorel Nelson & Danny Limelight: The match ended in DQ after everyone started attacking each other. Rosser showed up with a shaved head after last night. At one point, Tom got onto the mic and said that he was tired of Romero and Rosser who he called with his WWE name Darren. He said that Darren will be the next loser to the title.
Brody King, Daniel Garcia and Chris Dickinson defeated Bateman, Misterioso Jr and Barrett Brown: King picked up the victory for his team.
TJP defeated Clark Connors: Connors was holding the rope but the referee didn’t see it
Jay White & Hikuleo defeated Fred Yehi & Wheeler Yuta: White won the match by pinning Yuta. He grabbed the mic after the match but dropped it and then left without saying anything.
Will Ospreay defeated Alex Zayne
Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer defeated Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston: The brawl went all over the place including the parking lot. The opponents shook hands after the bout.
Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki continues to make the most of his trip to the United States.
Suzuki didn’t participate in this year’s G1 Climax tournament for New Japan Pro Wrestling. As a result, he’s been taking dates in America for the likes of AEW and GCW. Now, the leader of Suzuki-gun will be making his way to Impact Wrestling.
Impact Wrestling took to its Twitter account to announce that Suzuki is making his way to the promotion for upcoming TV tapings.
BREAKING: See @suzuki_D_minoru LIVE at our television tapings at @samstownlv in Las Vegas on October 24th and 25th!
“BREAKING: See Minoru Suzuki LIVE at our television tapings at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas on October 24th and 25th!”
Suzuki’s AEW endeavor hasn’t ended either. On Oct. 15, he will be taking on Bryan Danielson during the AEW Rampage Buy In show. You can catch the live stream of the Buy In show on the SEScoops homepage at 9 p.m. ET.
As for Impact Wrestling, the company has been enjoying great success with cross-promotion. Impact has finally made amends with NJPW and has been bringing in the likes of Juice Robinson, David Finlay, El Phantasmo, Jay White, and others.
It’ll be interesting to see what Minoru Suzuki has in store for Impact Wrestling and who he will target upon his arrival.
Bryan Danielson and Minoru Suzuki will clash this Friday night on the Rampage Buy-In show. AEW announced yesterday that from 9PM until the start of Rampage at 10PM, AEW’s YouTube channel will run live from the James L. Knight Center in Miami.
Both Bryan Danielson and Minoru Suzuki have released statements about the upcoming match.
“In 2004, I wrestled Minoru Suzuki 1 on 1. He beat the sh*t out of me. Showed me what violence and sadism inside a wrestling ring looks like. Since then, I’ve learned a thing or two about violence myself. And sadism. Excited to show Mr. Suzuki what I’ve learned,” Danielson Tweeted.
“When I was drinking coffee in the city, I got a call and decided in a hurry. The wind of Minoru Suzuki will blow to Miami,” a translation of his Tweet reads.
Suzuki and “The American Dragon” met on July 20th, 2004 at NJPW Summer Struggle. Suzuki defeated Danielson in 13 minutes and 38 seconds. They had been on opposing sides of several tag matches leading up to the event. After their singles match, however, Suzuki and Danielson teamed together 4 times from July to October. They went 2-2 when teaming together. Their last match was a loss to Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Shinsuke Nakamura on October 20th, 2004.
New Japan Pro Wrestling star and overall Japanese megastar Minoru Suzuki recently spoke to NJPW English language site NJPW1972.com.
The former NEVER Openweight Champion discussed several topics ahead of his New York City match against Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston alongside Lance Archer.
Suzuki stated that he was excited about his ongoing ‘excursion,’ the longest in his career. “No doubt. You know they say as you get older, you stop taking on two things- adventures and challenges.
“People get old and think it’s for the young to be doing. But I’m the opposite. I have to move on, have to challenge myself. That’s where my motivation comes from” Suzuki revealed.
Minoru Suzuki on American Tour
The Japanese ‘legend’ would then discuss how he hates being called a ‘legend,’ as that is a term he describes as being used for has been.
“Whether you’re in Japan or anywhere else, don’t treat me like one of those ‘legends’” the Suzuki-gun leader stated. “When it comes to my speed in the ring, how hard I train, the way I put my body together, I’m the measure of anyone 20, 30 years younger than me.
“But some people want to put me on that legend pedestal. Well, I’m kicking that pedestal down and smashing you over the head with it. You don’t get to choose for me” the Japanese….erm….living legend concluded.
Minoru Suzuki has been appearing for the likes of GCW, AEW and will be taking part in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport.
Minoru Suzuki is taking full advantage of his time in the United States.
The Japanese wrestling legend has appeared for AEW and GCW. He’s fresh off a victory over Jonathan Gresham and is scheduled to compete on the AEW Grand Slam edition of Rampage. He will team with Lance Archer to take on Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston in a Lights Out match.
Suzuki has added another date to his calendar. It has been announced that he will be a part of the upcoming Bloodsport 7 event on Oct. 22. Here’s what Josh Barnett had to say on the addition of Suzuki.
My brother in Gotch-ism. Fellow "King of Pancrase", @suzuki_D_minoru is coming back to the hardest hitting event in professional wrestling.
This is where you will see Suzuki-san thrive above all others. This, is Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport
“My brother in Gotch-ism. Fellow ‘King of Pancrase,’ Minoru Suzuki is coming back to the hardest-hitting event in professional wrestling. This is where you will see Suzuki-san thrive above all others. This is Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport.”
Minoru Suzuki joins the likes of Killer Kelly, Marina Shafir, and Calvin Tankman as the names announced for the show. It’s yet another GCW date for the “King of Pancrase.” He worked the Sept. 17 show and is due to meet Nick Gage on Sept. 24 in New York City. He also has GCW dates lined up for Oct. 10 and Oct. 23.
Suzuki has been penciled in for the Sept. 25 and 26 NJPW Strong Autumn Attack tapings.
The Sept. 17 edition of GCW Highest in the Room has come to a close and the results are in.
This event was held inside the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. Highest in the Room saw Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki take on former ROH Pure Champion Jonathan Gresham. Suzuki won the match and afterward, he found himself in a brawl with Nick Gage.
Some more matches have been added to the upcoming AEW Grand Slam edition of Rampage.
AEW is making its way to Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. The promotion will be airing Dynamite live on Sept. 22. They will also be taping a special two-hour edition of Rampage.
Three more matches for the Rampage show have been revealed. Leading the pack in terms of the announcement is a Lights Out match featuring Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston vs. Minori Suzuki & Lance Archer. An eight-man tag team match between Lucha Bros & Proud N Powerful vs. Private Party & The Butcher and The Blade has also been announced.
There will also be a singles match between Anna Jay and Penelope Ford.
Matches for Will Ospreay and Minoru Suzuki have been added to the NJPW Strong Showdown tapings.
On Oct. 16 and 17, NJPW will be holding its Strong Showdown tapings. The action will take place inside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
NJPW has announced that Suzuki and Ospreay will be in action at the tapings in separate matches. Suzuki will meet Chris Dickinson on Oct. 16, while Ospreay will do battle with Alex Zayne on Oct. 17.
“A first time ever singles encounter will see the Dirty Daddy Chris Dickinson go toe to toe with Minoru Suzuki. At one point scheduled for independent events before the COVID pandemic disrupted the entire wrestling world, NJPW STRONG can now bring about this fated dream match. Dickinson is as respected as they come as a striker and grappler, but can he match up with the King? This is an encounter you will need to witness live and in person at the 2300 Arena next month!
“Night two in Philadelphia will see Alex Zayne in singles action against “IWGP World Heavyweight Champion” Will Ospreay. Alex Zayne was a viral sensation when he first got the opportunity to compete in NJPW STRONG, and after a brief sojourn to WWE, returns to STRONG with a huge test awaiting him. Whether his title claims are legitimate or not, Ospreay is indisputably one of the best wrestlers in the world, but could Zayne surprise the Commonwealth kingpin in Philly?”
Ospreay returned to NJPW at Resurgence after being away due to injury. Ospreay brought an IWGP World Heavyweight Title belt with him. He claimed to be the real world champion and said Shingo Takagi is an interim titleholder. Ospreay said he’ll be wrestling on Strong for a while.
As for Suzuki, he will miss out on this year’s G1 Climax in Japan. This has freed the Japanese wrestling legend to work dates in the United States.
Jon Moxley defeated Minoru Suzuki in the main event of Dynamite from Mox’s hometown of Cincinnati this week. AEW has just announced, however, that Suzuki will be back on Dynamite next week.
AEW also announced that he’ll be joined by his Suzuki-Gun teammate, Lance Archer, and plans to issue a new challenge to the former AEW World Champion. Archer and Suzuki are said to be upset that Moxley received preferential hometown treatment on Dynamite this week.
The main event match this week between Suzuki and Moxley only went a little over 8 minutes. There may have been some timing issues in the final few segments of the show that saw the match get reduced in-ring time.
Mox and Suzuki have now met in singles matches twice, with Moxley winning both matches. Their first match took place at the New Beginning in Osaka in February of 2020.
Suzuki also needed 7 stitches to close a cut above his eye that occurred in the match. Emi Sakura posted to Twitter about Suzuki’s injury below:
Next week’s Dynamite will take place from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In addition to Suzuki-Gun challenging Moxley, the following matches have also been scheduled for the show:
Frankie Kazarian vs. Adam Cole
Leyla Hirsch vs. Jade Cargill (w/Mark Sterling)
Shawn Spears (w/Tully Blanchard) vs. Darby Allin (w/Sting)
Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki is making the most of his return to the United States.
Suzuki has already been announced for the Sept. 25 and 26 tapings for NJPW Strong. Those cards will be taking place in Texas. His journey back to the U.S. isn’t solely with NJPW, however.
GCW has announced that Suzuki will be a part of their upcoming September shows in Los Angeles and New York City. Suzuki’s stay is also being extended into October as he’ll be featured on the Atlantic City show and another LA event.
Suzuki has been freed up for shows in the United States since he will not be participating in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. Many have been speculating about Suzuki potentially making his way to AEW. Of course, nothing has been confirmed as far as that is concerned.
GCW has been on a roll as of late. The company got a ton of attention after Matt Cordona defeated Nick Gage to capture the GCW World Championship. Fans littered the ring with garbage in a scene not common in wrestling these days like it once was. On top of that, Gage made an appearance on AEW Dynamite, losing to Chris Jericho in a No Rules match.
Three big names have been added to the NJPW Strong Autumn Attack cards.
NJPW Strong will be making its way to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX. NJPW will be holding tapings on Sept. 25 and 26. NJPW has announced that three major names will be making their appearances.
One of those names is former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay. The leader of the United Empire made a surprise appearance on the Resurgence show this past Saturday (Aug. 14). He cut a promo proclaiming himself to be the real IWGP World Champion and Shingo Takagi as just an interim titleholder. Takagi defeated Kazuchika Okada for the gold when Ospreay was forced to vacate it due to an injury.
Another name added to the NJPW Strong Autumn Attack card is Minoru Suzuki. Suzuki is a legend in Japanese wrestling. He is a former GHC Heavyweight Champion as well as a former IWGP Intercontinental and NEVER Openweight titleholder. He hasn’t wrestled in the United States in nearly two years.
A little over a year ago, Jon Moxley faced Minoru Suzuki at NJPW’s New Beginning in Osaka. Moxley successfully defended his IWGP United States Championship in the match. In a recent interview, Moxley talked about what the match meant to him.
“I just never thought our paths would cross, you know?” Moxley said about Suzuki. He continued to say that wrestling Suzuki was a dream of his.
“It’s one of those things that it’s cool to be able to manifest your dreams,” he continued to say about facing Suzuki.
He then spoke about the similarities between him and Suzuki.
“We both know exactly who we are,” Moxley said. “That was a thing in 2019 coming into New Japan and around the world – especially in New Japan, you know it’s a different style – (I) definitely didn’t want to come in here and try to pretend to be something that I’m not.”
“When you’re really comfortable in your own skin, you have complete freedom in the ring to do whatever you want. I think, me and him, and a lot of people are like that. We know exactly who we are and what we do and that’s what we bring every time.”
“It’s all about the moment and conflict of the fight and the struggle. That’s where the magic happens,” he continued.
Moxley’s comments can be heard in the player below:
Following the ending of the G1 Climax 30 tournament yesterday, NJPW is moving forward with the Power Struggle tour. The live-streamed events for this tour on NJPW World will October 23, November 1, November 2, and the major event to end the tour on November 7th.
It was also announced that the Wrestle Kingdom 15 contract will allow its holder to challenge for both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships at Wrestle Kingdom.
NJPW Power Struggle 2020 Card
New Japan has announced the full card for the upcoming Power Struggle event on November 7th. Six singles matches are signed:
King of Pro-Wrestling 2020 Championship: Toru Yano (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
NEVER Openweight Championship: Minoru Suzuki (c) vs. Shingo Takagi
Kazuchika Okada vs. Great O-Khan
IWGP US Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender Match: KENTA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
Wrestle Kingdom 15 Contract Match: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Jay White
New Japan Pro-Wrestling thirtieth annual G1 Climax tournament has arrived!
Watch on NJPW World with a paid subscription. Only live Japanese commentary available. English commentary will be uploaded within several days. This event will have reduced attendance capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
Yota Tsuji def. Gabriel Kidd (6:43) Two of the last three opening singles matches between young lions have ended in time limit draws, including the last one between Tsuji and Kidd. Evidently, the two of them had taken that to heart and didn’t want it to happen again. They spared the audience the formality of grappling at all and went straight to brawling and trying for their finishing holds. After much striking and grunting, Tsuji hit a spear on Kidd and locked in the Boston crab. He leaned back to put even more tension on Kidd’s spine and Kidd had nowhere to go.
A Block: Tomohiro Ishii def. Yujiro Takahashi (15:25) Yujiro attacked Ishii before the bell and spent the opening minutes controlling the match against the Stone Pitbull. After slowing Yujiro’s role with a vertical suplex, he took his shirt off and threw it at the laying Yujiro, which drew applause from the crowd. Ishii threw Yujiro with a German suplex into the turnbuckle pad, then lifted him to the top rope for a superplex and a near fall. Yujiro was hurt, but he managed to reverse Ishii’s powerbomb and hit an Olympic slam for a two-count and the Miami Shine for yet another. Yujiro tried for the Pimp Juice DDT, but Ishii blocked it. Yujiro blocked his multiple attempts at the vertical brainbuster, and managed to hit a brainbuster of his own. Desperate, Yujiro tried to roll Ishii up, but that didn’t work. With a headbutt, a sliding lariat, and the vertical drop brainbuster put Yujiro away. Credit to him for lasting as long as he did, though. Ishii 6 points, Yujiro 0 points
A Block: Kazuchika Okada def. Jeff Cobb (11:03) Okada realized that he would be fighting an uphill battle against the powerhouse Cobb once the opening bell rang. As Cobb was coming off the ropes, Okada tried to jump over him, but Cobb caught him in midair and laid him out with a vertical suplex. Cobb missed a corner splash and Okada used this opportunity to use multiple swinging neckbreakers to ready Cobb for the Money Clip. This was not enough to slow Cobb, though. Okada, a deceptively large man in his own right, experienced being tossed multiple times like an infant. Cobb’s Athletic-Plex and standing moonsault both received close near-falls from the Rainmaker. However, Okada would block Cobb’s try at the Tour of the Islands and hit a standing dropkick and Tombstone piledriver to even the odds. Okada applied the Money Clip, but Cobb was able to get to his feet and hit a standing dropkick of his own! Okada dropeped multiple more attempts at the Tour of the Islands and applied a rana pin for the victory. Okada 8 points, Cobb 4 points
A Block: Will Ospreay def. Minoru Suzuki (14:26) From jump, the wily Suzuki was frequently ready for Ospreay’s moves. On the outside of the ring, Ospreay tried to do a flying forearm off the barricade, but Suzuki caught him in an armbar. Suzuki kept attacking Ospreay’s right arm, and when Ospreay tried to pop up and hit an elbow strike, he recoiled in pain. Not the smartest tool in the shed. Suzuki laid in his chops and had Ospreay bleeding from the chest. A handspring kick and standing shooting star press helped Ospreay gain some breathing room, but another top rope attack led to him being trapped in an armbar yet again. He was able to put his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold, but Suzuki was still in control. He laughed at Ospreay’s feeble strikes, and when Ospreay tried to go to the top rope again, Suzuki caught him, only for an Ospreay headbutt to send him to the mat. Suzuki blocked Ospreay’s attempt at the Stormbreaker, but Ospreay hit a suplex to grant himself some slight reprieve. Suzuki dodged the Hidden Blade and applied a sleeper hold. He tried for the Gotch-style piledriver, but Ospreay got out of it and hit an enzuigiri, followed by the Stormbreaker for the win. Ospreay 8 points, Suzuki 6 points
A Block: Jay White def. Taichi (15:16) Every time Jay tried to leave the ring to troll Taichi, Taichi left the ring too, like a never-ending battle of who could hold out for longer. Eventually, Jay got tired of this, and threw Taichi into the barricade. He brought Taichi back in and focused on attacking Taichi’s back until Taichi retaliated with his powerful kicks. When he missed a kick in the corner, Jay capitalized with a chop block, followed by the Bladebuster. After landing a uranage, Jay attempted the Blade Runner, but Taichi blocked it and hit a backdrop driver at the 10-minute mark. Jay couldn’t land the snap sleeper suplex and Taichi applied the Gedo Clutch, but Gedo himself came in to distract the referee so he couldn’t count the pin. Jay pushed Taichi into the referee, and Gedo tried to interfere, but Taichi kicked him in the crotch. Then he kicked Jay White there too, but he kicked out of the Gedo Clutch at 2. Taichi hit an elevated powerbomb for another near fall, then set up for a thrust kick. As he went for it, Jay caught his leg, then swiftly hit the Blade Runner. Jay 8 points, Taichi 6 points
A Block: Shingo Takagi def. Kota Ibushi (21:56) Ibushi and Shingo have never wrestled in a singles match before, and this match was highly anticipated. These two men are both incredible athletes who can do most anything, but Ibushi has the advantage in speed, Shingo in strength. The winner of this match would be he who could press that advantage greater, and at first it was Shingo. He battered Ibushi with strikes that Ibushi couldn’t match, and Ibushi was confident enough to play Shingo’s game. Finally, Ibushi wised up, and took the advantage using his trademark aerial offense. Shingo would continually cut Ibushi off, though, as his left arm lariat made Ibushi land on the mat head-first, and then he landed the Noshigami for a near fall on last year’s G1 Climax winner. Shingo tried for a German suplex, but Ibushi backflipped out of it and kicked the sitting Shingo right in the back of the head. After Ibushi’s sitout powerbomb achieved a near fall, Shingo would grant himself some space with a death valley driver, then lift Ibushi for the Last of the Dragon. It did not work, but he avoided a kick from Ibushi to land the Made in Japan for a near fall once more. Shingo followed up with two Pumping Bombers, but Ibushi kicked out just in time! Shingo lifted Ibushi to his feet and went for the Last of the Dragon again, but Ibushi shifted his weight to avoid it. A big lariat from Ibushi put Shingo on his back, and a Boma Ye put Shingo down for a two-count. Ibushi tried to finish the match with the Kamigoye, but Shingo grabbed Ibushi’s knee, and lifted him by it into the Last of the Dragon! Shingo 6 points, Ibushi 8 points
G1 Climax 30 Standings
A Block: 8 points – Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, Jay White 6 points – Taichi, Minoru Suzuki, Tomohiro Ishii, Shingo Takagi 4 points – Jeff Cobb 0 points – Yujiro Takahashi
New Japan Pro-Wrestling thirtieth annual G1 Climax tournament has arrived!
Watch on NJPW World with a paid subscription. Only live Japanese commentary available. English commentary will be uploaded within several days. This event will have reduced attendance capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
Yuya Uemura def. Gabriel Kidd (7:35) The neck strength fostered at the NJPW Dojo, and likely most of the dojos in Japan, is truly otherworldly. It’s not even the first time they did this in this series of tournament matches, but watching Uemura bridge while an adult man is kneeling on his torso never fails to impress. What also never fails to please is when someone takes the most obvious move possible, to break the hold they’re trapped in, seen in this match when Kidd ended Uemura’s arm wringer with a loud elbow to the face. I enjoy the struggle that young lion matches embody and oftentimes non-young lions focus more on showcasing their repertoire than embodying that struggle. Yuya Uemura won by submission with a high-angle Boston crab.
A Block: Shingo Takagi def. Yujiro Takahashi (13:38) Yujiro was sensible enough to understand that fighting dirty was the only hope he had against a powerhouse like Shingo. He bent the rules in every way possible, between hair pulling, biting, and slamming Shingo’s head into the corner post, and a reverse DDT on the apron for good measure. Eventually, Shingo got frustrated enough to bite Yujiro on the hand the way he did to Shingo earlier. It must hurt being bitten by a dragon. Yujiro pushed Shingo harder than I expected, hitting the Miami Shine and trying to set up for Pimp Juice, but Shingo stopped him. Eventually, Yujiro pushed the referee and tried to hit Shingo with his pimp cane, but Shingo lariated it away. A following Pumping Bomber and Last of the Dragon put Yujiro away in decisive fashion. Shingo 4 points, Yujiro 0 points
A Block: Jeff Cobb def. Jay White (12:24) Taking a lesson from Bullet Club stablemate Yujiro in the previous match, Jay White used underhanded tactics to try and cut Mr. Athletic down to size. At one point, Gedo tried to interfere but Jeff Cobb caught both him and Jay, and delivered a double noggin knocker, something I’m surprised not to see more of in wrestling. Impressively, White was able to lift the rotund Cobb for the Bladebuster, but found himself thoroughly outmatched in a battle of strikes. Jay then transitioned into taking out the big man’s legs with a chop block and a dragonscrew. Cobb fired up and still had enough of a base that he could still try for the Tour of the Islands. Jay blocked it at first, but Gedo came in to distract Cobb and give Jay a moment of reprieve. However, this backfired spectacularly, when Cobb lifted Gedo up, press-slammed him into Jay White, and then hit the Tour of the Islands to pin Jay White. Cobb 4 points, White 6 points
A Block: Kazuchika Okada def. Minoru Suzuki (14:10) Okada tried to grapple with Suzuki only to get summarily stretched, and then rocked when he tried to throw elbows with Suzuki. Okada has come back from behind to defeat Suzuki in the past, but it never seemed quite so one-sided. Okada tried to run off the ropes, but Suzuki caught him in a sleeper hold and went for an early Gotch-style piledriver. Okada blocked it and hit the Reverse Neckbreaker, which was the most relevant moment of offense he had achieved thus far. Still, Suzuki had the mettle to hold his hands behind his back and challenge Okada to hit him hard enough to hurt. Instead, Okada hit a standing dropkick followed by a Tombstone piledriver, then applied his cobra clutch, the Money Clip. Suzuki got to his feet and made it out of the hold. He put on a sleeper hold with bodyscissors, and when Okada managed to stand up out of it, he applied it again, but Okada grabbed Suzuki’s legs and pushed him down into a prawn hold for the pinfall victory. Likely the least earned win Okada has had in this tournament, and has ever had over Suzuki. Okada 6 points, Suzuki 6 points
A Block: Tomohiro Ishii def. Taichi (18:48) Taichi truly has come along way over the last several years. In the early going of this match, Taichi was trading his kicks for Ishii’s forearm strikes and coming out the better man for it. Of course, Ishii did eventually find the werewithal to push through the pain and start laying the boots to Taichi. Perhaps his hubris got the better of him, as he went for an early attempt at the brainbuster, but Taichi blocked it and a cracking head kick put Ishii’s head flat on the mat. Ishii made it back to his feet but Taichi continued to punish him with heavy strikes. Ishii popped up yet again and hit a buckle bomb and a lariat, then endured a buzzsaw kick to the head and continued laying on his strikes. He went for the brainbuster yet again, but Taichi dropped out of it. In a moment of desperation, he pushed the referee at Ishii and kicked Ishii in the groin, but even this could not put Ishii away for a three-count. Ishii stood up and hit a lariat but Taichi kicked out at one, then stood up and dropped Ishii on his head with a backdrop driver! Down but not out, Ishii blocked Taichi’s attempt at Black Mephisto and hit a jumping high kick, followed by a sliding lariat. The vertical drop brainbuster finished Taichi off in emphatic fashion. Ishii 4 points, Taichi 6 points
A Block: Kota Ibushi def. Will Ospreay (15:56) The way Ospreay behaved towards Ibushi as this match began was almost comically condescending. He ruffled Ibushi’s hair with his hand when they were locked up against the ropes, then again with his boot later when Ibushi was on the mat. Ibushi did not take this lightly. When Ospreay did his fakeout Sasuke Special and posed in the ring, Ibushi bolted in and grabbed his arms for a Kamigoye attempt. It did not land, but it’s the thought that counts. Similar to their encounter late last year, Ibushi tried for a top rope Frankensteiner, only for Ospreay to land on his feet out of it, albeit with a bit less balance than last time. He was also getting the better of Ibushi when it came to striking too. Ospreay tried for a Stombreaker early on but couldn’t make it stick, and hit a gnarly sitout powerbomb to put Ibushi down for a two-count. Ospreay set up in the corner for the Hidden Blade, but Ibushi stood up just in time to block it, and hit a powerbomb of his own for a near fall. Feeling the need to end the match quickly, Ospreay went for the Oscutter, but Ibushi hit a jumping knee to hit Ospreay in midair, and then the Kamigoye for an abrupt but utlimately satisfying victory. Ibushi 8 points, Ospreay 6 points
