Team AEW was victorious over The Elite on this week’s edition of Dynamite in a brutal Blood and Guts match that left the heels with no choice but to forfeit.
Jack Perry and Darby Allin started the match for their respective teams and the TNT Champion maintained the advantage over Allin with a trash can and extension cord.
Jack Perry sends Darby Allin flying like a lawn dart!
Nick Jackson was the next arrival, giving the Elite a distinct advantage, and ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe was the first wrestler to bleed significantly after having his face scraped across the cage.
The #ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe has arrived to even the odds for #TeamAEW!
Matt Jackson was out next to join his brother but Anthony Bowens would change the complexion of the match. Bowens used scissors and stabbed Perry in the head, earning “You Sick F***” chants from the crowd.
The Scissor King, Anthony Bowens is here to reinforce #TeamAEW!
Kazuchika Okada, wielding a ‘Rainmaker’ street sign was next to enter the cage and Max Caster followed with a microphone and he retrieved a barbed-wire board from under the ring. This came back to haunt The Acclaimed as the Young Bucks sent Bowens into it, prompting “Holy S***” chants from the crowd.
In case things weren’t already violent enough, thumbtacks were introduced next and poured into Caster’s mouth. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page was supposed to arrive next but didn’t. Instead, the Cowboy waited for Swerve Strickland’s entrance so he could ambush the reigning AEW World Champion.
Hangman Adam Page only has his eyes on #AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and now #AEWBLOODandGUTS begins!
Swerve was left locked out of the cage and Page, under the threat of being fired, got in the cage as demanded by Nick Jackson. Jeff Jarrett would help free Strickland’s trapped hand, allowing him to enter the cage.
Swerve and Hangman finally get their hands on each other!
Staple Guns were introduced via a briefcase that the Bucks had brought to the match. Despite this, Team AEW fought on with Darby Allin delivering a Coffin Drop to Jack Perry.
The finish of the match also involved Allin and Perry as the TNT Champion was handcuffed to the wall and took some kendo shots but refused to quit. Mark Briscoe followed with a chair shot to the head of Perry, but that still wasn’t enough. Allin then retrieved a gasoline can and threatened to see Perry ablaze. Fearing the loss of life of his ally, Matt Jackson gave in, awarding Allin a TNT title match at All In, and forfeiting Blood & Guts.
Darby Allin wants his TNT Championship Match at #AEWAllIn and will set Jack Perry ON FIRE to get it!
This year’s Blood & Guts certainly delivered the violence that fans have come to expect with the brutal stipulation. After months of having control, the Elite’s loss is a huge setback for the group, and could be a sign of things to come next month in Wembley Stadium.
AEW was able to sign Kazuchika Okada to a three-year deal, and WWE had interest as well. After this blockbuster deal was confirmed, numbers started coming out. It seems that they are not what they seem to be.
It was reported that Okada’s deal with AEW is worth $4.5 million per year for three years. Although this number might be something that WWE would offer a top star like Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar, that isn’t what Okada is bringing in.
Okada’s AEW Deal
It was previously reported that Okada is making 2 billion yen over a three-year deal. That would certainly place Okada on top of any company’s payroll.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that this report about Okada’s massive AEW deal is not correct. The actual numbers were not revealed, but they were said to be much lower in reality to what he is actually bringing in.
Okada signed a three-year deal. Tokyo Sports reported Okada signed a three-year deal at 2 billion yen ($13.5 million) over the course of the period of the contract, or an average of $4.5 million annually, but that number is not accurate at all. The real number is considerably lower, but it was still a very large number that he signed for.
What’s Next For Okada
AEW booked Okada as a heel to join the Young Bucks as the newest member of The Elite. Kenny Omega was also fired in the process, which sets up an eventual match between the two old foes.
It was reported that Okada is moving to the United States as part of his new AEW deal. He will also be a full-time performer for the company. Only time will tell how AEW books him in the weeks to come, but he certainly has the pro wrestling world’s interest.
SEScoops will have more information on this story as additional details are made known.
Tony Khan has a lot of plans for AEW, and that includes bringing in even more talent. He could have plans to debut someone this week, and it might break the pro wrestling world wide open.
Kazuchika Okada is reportedly on his way to AEW, and that debut may happen tonight. A new report says that he is in the United States, and only time will tell if tonight’s AEW Dynamite is his landing pad.
Major Debut on the Horizon
A major name is expected to make their full-time debut with the company, although details remain undisclosed. Tony Khan has hinted at exciting plans for AEW fans in the coming weeks, suggesting significant developments on the horizon.
According to PW Insider, former IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada recently traveled to Los Angeles and is currently in the United States. It is widely speculated that Okada will be present at tonight’s Dynamite episode in Atlanta, potentially signaling a significant moment for the promotion.
Additionally, there are expectations for the debut of Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, in Boston next week for the company’s Big Business special. With these developments on the horizon, anticipation is high for tonight’s Dynamite episode and the future direction of AEW.
AEW Dynamite For 3/6
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite promises to be eventful, with several notable announcements and developments anticipated. Among the highlights are scheduled matches such as Riho vs. Kris Statlander and Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher. Moreover, The Young Bucks have teased a “Huge Announcement,” adding to the intrigue of the evening.
They also added Hook vs Brian Cage for the FTW Title to the show in the afternoon. More matches should be expected as we approach the two-hour program.
SEScoops will have more coverage of AEW Dynamite, and everything else in the pro wrestling world. Check back often for more updates!
Kazuchika Okada is wrapping up his career in Japan, and it appears that he is about to be All Elite. All signs point to him picking AEW’s deal over WWE’s offer, and now it appears fans won’t have to wait long.
Okada Has Made A Decision
Okada is one of the best pro wrestlers on the planet, and he has been for a number of years. Pending any unforeseen setbacks, it appears he is going to land in AEW soon.
According to Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, Kazuchika Okada is set to join All Elite Wrestling following his departure from NJPW. Although the deal has been effectively agreed upon in recent weeks, the finalization is yet to be confirmed. AEW has expressed confidence in securing his services for several weeks, extending back to mid-January.
Specific plans regarding Kazuchika Okada’s AEW debut remain unconfirmed. However, it is anticipated to occur after he fulfills his obligations with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Creative concepts for Okada were already being discussed as of January, with discussions in Las Vegas suggesting significant developments for the company in the first half of March.
WWE was in the game for Okada as well. It was further noted that WWE sources confirmed that there was a discussion between Okada and WWE. However, AEW is getting the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
WWE sources that we spoke to in Las Vegas did confirm that there were talks between Okada and WWE. We’ve heard from WWE talent who noted Okada was weighing the pros and cons of heading to WWE compared to AEW. In the end, we’re told that AEW was very confident in their offer to Okada.
Okada’s Discussion With WWE
For what it’s worth, I asked around about Okada’s situation with WWE and was told that discussions were taking place. That being said, nothing was far along enough for creative to even be involved.
The general thinking was that AEW offered Okada more money than WWE did. At this point, WWE isn’t hard-up for talent, and it appears that the Rainmaker signed with Tony Khan.
Interesting to see Okada going to AEW.
For what it's worth, the WWE creative team never had any plan for him, and nothing was even shared regarding cooking up booking ideas. They only start coming up with ideas when there is a reason for them to, ie a signing takes place.…
We will have to see how Tony Khan books this situation. He has two big incoming talent acquisitions, with Mercedes Mone expected to debut during the March 13th Big Business episode of AEW Dynamite. Now with Okada coming in, he could generate a ton of momentum for his company.
Kazuchika Okada could have a ton of great matches in AEW, but it’s all a matter of how he is used. Hopefully, Tony Khan will strive to give him better treatment than he received during his TNA Wrestling days, which was his last notable tenure in the United States.
Kazuchika Okada is one of the biggest name in pro wrestling outside WWE, and there is a chance that he may take their offer. AEW is still in the running, and Tony Khan might be offering more money, but at this point anything can happen in the pro wrestling world.
Okada Possibly Joining WWE
There was once a time when GUNTHER was seen as one of the top names outside WWE, but he finally gave in and signed with the company. After an ungodly reign as NXT UK Champion, he finally made his way to the United States, where things have really worked out for him.
GUNTHER was recently asked about Okada joining WWE while he was speaking with Haus of Wrestling. The IC Champion would love to see Okada in WWE, and he said that he is a big fan of what The Rainmaker did in NJPW.
“I think Okada is fantastic. I always love Japanese wrestling. When I grew up in professional wrestling, understanding everything, I always enjoyed Japanese wrestling the most. I was more of an All Japan guy than a New Japan guy, to be honest. But yeah, he’s one of the best in the world, and if he joins WWE, he’s very welcome to, and I think he finds great competition here.”
What’s Next For GUNTHER In WWE
GUNTHER is 600 days and counting as Intercontinental Champion, and he teased going for 1,000. It will be interesting to see who steps up to face him, because Okada vs GUNTHER could be an incredible match to see.
Brock Lesnar was supposed to face GUNTHER at WrestleMania, but that booking was famously scrapped. Odds are, the Ring General will have a Mania match, but he may have Jay Uso to deal with at Elimination Chamber first.
Kazuchika Okada’s next move in the pro wrestling world will be a very important one for his career. He has left NJPW, as his contract is now officially over. Now, he has to make a decision about where he is going next, and there are two big options on the table for him.
Kazuchika Okada’s Big Decision Between WWE & AEW
Okada has been on WWE’s radar for a very long time, but AEW also wants him. At this point, it appears that Tony Khan is also offering him a bigger contract.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that the impression is that AEW offered Okada more money than WWE did. It is likely WWE’s opinion at this time that, while their offer may be lower, if the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion wants to join them, then he will.
“The impression I got is AEW has the higher offer, and WWE is going with the idea that if Okada wants to come to WWE, he’ll come to WWE.”
“Basically, it depends on what Okada’s goal is right now in life. If his goal is to have the most worldwide exposure at this point in his career, then WWE’s the place to go. To build up a name, WWE’s the place to go. To make the most money possible, AEW’s the place to go. If it’s to have the best matches possible, AEW’s the place to go. If it’s to have the best schedule, AEW’s the place to go. It’s whatever he wants.
WWE vs AEW for Okada
Okada has a serious choice to make about his future. It was further stated that if his objective is achieving fame, then WWE may be the right way to go. However, if the aim is financial success, then AEW has more money on the table.
When considering the impact on his body and seeking the easiest option, the decision becomes debatable. In the context of AEW, it involves a more demanding wrestling style with potentially fewer matches, making it a challenging prospect, but uncertainties remain. WWE may want Okada to wrestle more often, but they won’t be requiring epic matches from him each time.
There is also the matter of which company would push him more. The decision-making process for Okada is anticipated to conclude shortly.
“If the thing is where you’re likely gonna be pushed more, generally speaking, if one company offers you more than the other, generally that means that they have a higher opinion of you and will probably push you harder. So if you’re looking for where you’re most likely gonna get the best push, probably AEW.
SE Scoops will have more coverage of Okada’s decision about his pro wrestling future. He will sign with another company, because he is years away from considering retirement at this point. The 36-year-old megastar has a huge decision ahead of him.
AEW is well aware of the free agent market right now, and Tony Khan intends to remain a player for big contracts. It appears that All Elite Wrestling is very close to locking down two deals that could be incredibly important for the company’s future.
AEW’s Reported New Signings
In terms of Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that there is a belief that both will start with AEW soon. Mone is anticipated to have a substantial debut, with an announcement expected shortly. Despite negotiating with WWE, her return to AEW was anticipated for several months, even predating her appearance at Wembley, where she had to appear while seated due to her still-recovering ankle injury. However, until the contract is finalized, nothing is definite due to significant differences in financial terms.
As for Okada, the latest information indicates that he has not yet made a final decision. Speculation among various individuals ranges from hopefulness to a degree of confidence regarding his potential arrival. If Okada were to sign, the probable start would align with the Greensboro show, with his final New Japan date set for February 24th. In the event of a WWE signing, it could potentially be postponed until WrestleMania.
Regarding Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone, the belief from this side is that both will be starting soon. Mone was doing acting work, but there is talk her debut will be played up extremely big and that announcement could be soon. She has been back training to return to the ring.
What’s Next
It’s noteworthy that Tony Khan has expressed particular enthusiasm for 2024, anticipating new signings and returns in the coming months, including MJF, Adam Cole, Kenny Omega, Bandido, Rey Fenix, Pac, and Britt Baker. As of this writing, MJF is still believed by many within the business to be under AEW contract.
Tony Khan has some big plans for 2024, and he is very excited about the possibilities. They’ve brought big names into AEW before, but signing Okada and the former Sasha Banks to deals would be a great way to start this year in the Land of All Elite.
It’s a rivalry that seemed destined to last forever as each man strove to prove they were the dominant competitor in New Japan Pro Wrestling. But now, six years into their historic feud now turned friendly competition, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi about to team up together for the first time ever.
With both having a common enemy in new Bullet Club member, Jay White, it has led the men to a tense truce and unlikely alliance.
As part of New Japan’s current World Tag League tournament, we will get the opportunity to witness ‘The Ace’ and ‘The Rainmaker’ join forces on both the 29th and 30th of November.
?Tanahashi and Okada finally team together?
On Thursday 29th and Friday 30th, Tanahashi and Okada, the two heated rivals will finally be on the same side! Don't miss this historic match!
The first match will see Okada, Tanahashi, and KUSHIDA face off against Jay White, Bad Luck Fale and Taiji Ishimori — a clash that also further developments the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight feud between the champion, KUSHIDA, and Ishimori.
The next day, the team will see Rocky Romero bolster their ranks in an eight-man tag team match as they compete against White, Fale, Ishimori, and the man who betrayed Okada, Gedo.
It was Gedo’s betrayal and Jay White’s unrelenting attack post-match at NJPW’s Destruction in Kobe event that would lead to this unlucky team coming together.
At a later New Japan show, ‘Road To Power Struggle’ on October 27th, Tanahashi would run in to save Okada from an assault at the hands of the Firing Squad, bringing the two men together in the face of a unified enemy.
Okada will eventually face Jay White at next year’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event. Tanahashi, meanwhile, will be cashing in his G1 Climax briefcase for a shot against IWGP Heavyweight champion, Kenny Omega.
At this year’s New Years Dash, which took place January 5th, the leader of the Bullet Club Kenny Omega personally invited Jay White to become the group’s latest member. White declined, later revealing he had joined CHAOS.
That partnership ended last month as both Gedo and Jay White turned their back on CHAOS, attacking The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada.
In that time, it appears Jay White has reconsidered the Bullet Club offer.
Breathe With The Firing Squad
After losing a hard match to NJPW Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, White would proceed to viciously attack his opponent, leading to the Ace’s greatest rival, Kazuchika Okada, to run out in order to make the save. Things only got worse as Gedo got involved, forcing longtime partner, Jado, to appear and try to calm the storm.
As things looked like they were finally settling, the Bullet Club OGs arrived.
The BCOGs grabbed both Jado and Gedo, giving Okada free reign to continue doling out payback to whomever he wished. Though uncertain at first, Okada ran to the ropes in order to attack Gedo only to be hit by an unexpected Gun Stun from Tama Tonga.
Jay White finally slithered into the ring, choosing this moment to enter the fray as both Tanahashi and Okada lay prone on the mats. It was uncertain if this was just a temporary alliance of convenience between the men until ‘The Switchblade’ stood over Okada and raised his hand into the ‘Too Sweet’ gesture. He would then hit his finisher, Blade Runner, onto The Rainmaker.
The group then left together, with “Switchblade” Jay White, Gedo, and Jado now aligned with Bullet Club’s Firing Squad.
The third and final NJPW Destruction show of 2018 took place Sunday, September 23 in Kobe, Japan at the Kobe World Hall.
The main event of the show saw Hiroshi Tanahashi defend his Wrestle Kingdom 13 IWGP Championship title shot against Kazuchika Okada. The two wrote another memorable chapter in their epic rivalry, considered by many to be the best of this generation.
The aftermath of the main event may prove to be memorable as well, as Okada’s former manager, Gedo, and CHAOS stablemate Switchblade Jay White turned on Okada after the bout.
Here are the full results from the show:
Yota Tsuji drew with Yuya Uemura – The two Young Lions went to a ten minute time limit draw
Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) b. Ren Narita & Shota Umino – YOH won by pinfall on Narita after a Falcon Arrow
Tiger Mask & Jushin Thunder Liger b. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado – Tiger Mask won by pinfall after a crucifix on Kanemaru
Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan b. Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe, Ryusuke Taguchi & Ayato Yoshida – Nagata pinned Yoshida with a High-Angle Suplex
The Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Beretta) b. Killer Elite Squad (Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer – Beretta won by pinfall on Archer with a crucifix
CHAOS (Switchblade Jay White, YOSHI-HASHI & Will Ospreay) b. Taguchi Japan (Juice Robinson, Toa Henare & David Finlay) – Jay White won by pinfall after a Blade Runner on Henare
Los Ingobernables De Japon (Tetsuya Naito, EVIL & SANADA) b. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr. & TAKA Michinoku) – EVIL picked up the pinfall victory after hitting Everything is EVIL on Michinoku
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title Tournament Semifinal: KUSHIDA b. BUSHI – KUSHIDA won by pinfall after hitting BUSHI with two Back to the Futures
Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Kazuchika Okada – Hiroshi Tanahashi won by pinfall after hitting a High Fly Flow
Kenny Omega recently spoke with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) to promote his IWGP Heavyweight Championship match-up against Kazuchika Okada at NJPW Dominion. The Cleaner first discussed how dominant of a champion Okada is, and how he is the one that has been calling the shots:
“As he made those defenses, one after another, after another, it came to a point where no one would just walk through the curtain and say, ‘I’m going to be the next challenger.’ He has done so much and beaten everyone so many times that he calls the shots! He makes the challenges, he makes the rules. That’s the situation we’re in right now.”
He then talked about taking the first fall in their Two-Out-Of-Three Falls match:
“I know the secret to this match, Okada, and the secret is that first fall. I won’t let you take it. So, if you’re thinking, ‘Hey, this is going to be a 15 minutes here, 10 minutes there, and a crazy stretch and we’re goin’ home!’ That’s not gonna happen. I am not going to give you any freebies. I’m not going to give you a first free fall, if I feel like I need a bit of a rest. You’re not getting the first fall. I’m going to take the first fall and control the pace.”
While Omega admits that Okada is probably the best professional wrestler in the world, he believes that he himself is still the best performer:
“You may be the best wrestler on the planet and I’ll admit it, you are. You’re the best and it’s not even an opinion thing anymore, this is something that you’ve proven. But you can’t say you’re the best performer. That goes to me. And if we’re going to move this thing forward, if we’re gonna cause this revolution of professional wrestling and make this something worldwide and something cool.
“We can’t just have the best natural pro wrestler steering the ship. We need someone who captures the imagination. Who captures the heart. We need a performer and a showman, which is why I’m doing everything I can in my power to overtake you’re natural wrestling ability.”
You can read Omega’s full interview with NJPW by clicking this link here.
New Japan Pro Wrestling commentator Don Callis is reportedly bound for Impact Wrestling. Although he has allegedly not yet signed with the company he is expected to be revealed as an on air talent as early as November, January at the latest. Interestingly Callis will not be leaving New Japan, which has ignited rumors of a potential partnership between the two companies.
During a recent visit with current working partners Pro Wrestling NOAH, Impact employee Scott D’Amore announced that he had met with New Japan officials and spoke to the locker room directly, confirming that Callis was heading to Impact.
D’Amore also made a point to apologise to IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, who had previously been a member of the TNA roster and had been booked in a detrimental way, being made to dress like Kato from the Green Hornet and play Samoa Joe’s lackey being two of the more memorable creative decisions during his time in Florida.
New Japan currently have a close working relationship with Ring of Honor and it is likely that they will not be looking to join forces once again with Impact, however we will keep you up to date as the story develops.
Wrestle Kingdom is New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual January 4th Tokyo Dome show, it is regarded as one of the premier events in all of wrestling and now the main event for the 2018 event has been confirmed: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada will be defending against Tetsuya Naito .
Naito won the right to challenge Okada after winning this year’s G1 Climax tournament, although he had to defend his ‘contract’ for the match against Tomohiro Ishii at this past Monday’s King of Pro Wrestling event.
Okada also confirmed his participation in the Tokyo Dome main event after defeating Los Ingobernables member EVIL in the main event of King of Pro Wrestling.
This is looking like a match for the ages, who do you think will win?
New Japan has announced that the njpwworld.com site will post a free match from their archives every Monday.
NJPW has been posting several high profile bouts for free over the past couple of months although sporadically, this move appears to be another step in their goal for expansion into the Western territories of North America, the UK and Europe.
The following matches are currently available to view:
Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi G1 CLIMAX 26 (2016)
In the late 90s, the old NWO faction would release “paid advertisements” on Nitro. Bullet Club is now doing the same in NJPW.
The faction has been the focal point of NJPW’s marketing strategy for their July 1st and 2nd shows in L.A, and have now released the following video:
Bullet Club at NJPW G1 L.A Special
Somewhat surprisingly, Cody will receive an IWGP heavyweight title shot on night 1 of the 2-night event. At Dominion, Cody defeated Michael Elgin in what turned out to be a pretty important match.
The rest of the announced lineup so far:
NJPW July 1st 2017 Lineup
the Briscoes, Will Ospreay, & Roppongi Vice (CHAOS) vs. Bad Luck Fale, the Young Bucks, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll (Bullet Club)
Jushin Liger, Volador Jr., Dragon Lee & Titan vs. Sanada, Evil, Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi (Los Ingobernables)
IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
Jay Lethal vs. Hangman Page (Bullet Club)
IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
Juice Robinson vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kushida, Jay White & David Finlay vs. Billy Gunn, Yoshi Tatsu, Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
In the latest edition of the Elite’s Youtube series “Being the Elite”, Omega and the Young Bucks play a “harmful rib” on Masa. They also welcome Flip Gordon to the Ring of Honor roster.
Cody and Frankie Kazarian also appear on this episode:
Being the Elite
The Bucks and Omega have now posted 57 episodes of the show, which often includes other members of Bullet Club.
Flip Gordon, who took part in Ring of Honor tapings back in June, only started his career back in 2015.
The Young Bucks recently won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championships at Dominion, and are scheduled to defend those titles against former champions, Roppongi Vice, at the NJPW Los Angeles show on July 1st. The Bucks are also ROH tag team champions, and will most likely face War Machine soon.
Kenny Omega most recently wrestled to a time limit draw with Okada at Dominion. He is scheduled to participate in the IWGP U.S Championship tournament on July 1st and 2nd.
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual Dominion show took place today inside the historic Osaka-Jo Hall. The main event of the card was the much anticipated rematch between Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title. Here are the full results from the sold out event:
David Finlay, Tomoyuki Oka & Shota Umino b. Hirai Kawato, Katsuya Kitamura & Tetsuhiro Yagi – Finlay hit the Prima Nocta on Yagi to secure the win for his team
Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Tiger Mask W & Tiger Mask IV b. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Thunder Liger – Makabe hit the King Kong Knee Drop on Nakanishi to secure the win for his team.
NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Championship Gauntlet Match – SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b.
Ryusuke Taguchi, Juice Robinson & Ricochet
Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI
Bad Luck Fale, Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi
Zack Sabre Jr., Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Daichi
BUSHI secured the win in this 6 man gauntlet match by hitting the MX on Taguchi in the final round, this was Los Ingobernables’ first defence of the titles
IWGP Junior Tag Championship Match – The Young Bucks b.Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Barreta) – The Young Bucks regain their Junior Tag Team Titles after Nick Jackson submitted Rocky Romero with a Sharpshooter
IWGP Tag Championship Match – Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa b. War Machine Raymond (Rowe & Hanson) – Tonga & Loa regained their Tag Team Titles after Tonga hit the Guerrilla Warfare. This was War Machine’s second defence of the belts
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA b. Hiromu Takahashi – Best of the Super Juniors winner KUSHIDA finally regained his Junior Heavyweight title by applying the Hoverboard Lock just before the twenty minute mark. This was Hiromu’s 5th defence of the title. BUSHI appeared after the match and sprayed mist in KUSHIDA’s face, seemingly asserting himself as the next challenger for the belt
NEVER Openweight Championship – ‘Lumberjack Death Match’ Minoru Suzuki b. Hirooki Goto – Suzuki took the win after hitting the Gotch Style Piledriver, YOSHI-HASHI appeared after the match and declared himself the next challenger to the NEVER title
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Tetsuya Naito – Tanahashi won the gold using the Texas Clover Leaf. Naito had threatened to destroy the Intercontinental Title and remove it from New Japan if he won this match
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega – HOW DO THEY DO IT!? This match ended in a time limit draw at the 60 minute mark and somehow it topped the bout they had at Wrestle Kingdom this year. Go out of your way to watch this incredible match
New Japan’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament has come to an end. Here are the results for the final day:
Yuji Nagata, Shota Umino & Tomoyuki Oka b. Manabu Nakanishi, Tetsuhiro Yagi & Katsuya Kitamura – Oka took the win for his team using a Boston Crab on Yagi
Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Jado b. Hirai Kawato, Togi Makabe & Hiroyoshi Tenzan – Ishii secured the win for his team after hitting a Lariat on Kawato
Volador Jr., Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger b. TAKA Michinoku, El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru – Volador beat TAKA with a Spanish Fly in a short match
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi b. ACH, David Finlay, Hanson & Raymond Rowe – Takahashi took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Pimp Juice on Finlay
YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto b. Taichi & Minoru Suzuki – YOSHI took the win for his team after hitting the Karma on Taichi
Hiromu Takahashi, EVIL, BUSHI, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito b. Ryusuke Taguchi, Dragon Lee, Juice Robinson, Ricochet & Satoshi Kojima – Naito took the win for Los Ingobernables after finishing Kojima with the Destino. Tanahashi appeared after the match to proclaim that he will win the IC Title at Dominion and stop Naito from destroying it completely.
Kenny Omega & Marty Scurll b. Gedo & Kazuchika Okada – Scurll made Gedo tap with the Crossface Chickenwing on Gedo in just over 13 minutes. This has been an extremely successful debut tour for Scurll and he has adjusted well to the New Japan style
Best Of The Super Juniors Final: KUSHIDA b. Will Ospreay – KUSHIDA hit the Back to the Future in just under 28 minutes to win the BOSJ Tournament. This was an INCREDIBLE match that you must go out of your way to see
The full event is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com, New Japan’s next big live event is the Dominion show on June 11th featuring Okada vs Omega II.
New Japan Pro Wrestling have announced that several title matches will take place on March 6th 2017. The event is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the promotion and will air live on New Japan World (5am est.)
NJPW 45th Anniversary Show Lineup
Jushin Liger and Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask and Tomoyuki Oka
Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Gedo and Jado (CHAOS) vs. El Desparado, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi and David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, Bushi and Sanada (Los Ingobernables) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Kushida and Juice Robinson
RPW British Heavyweight Championship
Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. *
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Roppongi Vice (c) vs. Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano (c)(CHAOS) vs. Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe (GBH)**
Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Tiger Mask W***
* Zack Sabre Jr. is making his NJPW debut ** This match was made after GBH beat CHAOS at Togi Makabe’s anniversary show this weekend. *** non-title match. Tiger Mask W is played by Kota Ibushi and is from the current Tiger Mask anime series.
Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ event that took place in Osaka, Japan to a gate of around 5,500 people:
TAKA Michinoku b. Henare – TAKA took the win in just under 5 minutes after hitting the Heavy Killer Number 1
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima b. Yoshitatsu & KUSHIDA – Kojima took the pinfall victory for his team after hitting a Lariat on Yoshi Tatsu
Yuji Nagata, Juice Robinson, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV b. Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Gedo – Juice continues to impress in his NJPW by taking the pinfall victory over Jado, expect him to have a strong showing in the New Japan Cup as he is expected to enter.
Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi b. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero & Barreta – Kanemaru took the win over Rocky Romero, yet another win for him over the IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion
NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Championship Match – SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b.Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi – SANADA hit the Skull End on Nakanishi to dethrone the champions in their first defence. Los Ingobernables are crowned the 11th champions
Revolution Pro Wrestling British Heavyweight Championship Match – Katsuyori Shibata b. Will Ospreay – Shibata retains his title in an EXCELLENT bout, cementing Will Ospreay as a true global star. Shibata’s next opponent for the belt will most likely be Zack Sabre Jr in the UK
IWGP Tag Championship 3WAY Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Takashi Iizuka – Yano rolled up Davey Boy Smith Jr in a schoolboy to retain his and Ishii’s titles, this was their second successful defence
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match –Hiromu Takahashi b. Dragon Lee – Takahashi hit the TIME BOMB in around 18 minutes to retain his title in his first official defence. Taguchi appeared after the match and will likely be the next challenger for the belt
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Tetsuya Naito b. Michael Elgin – Naito hit the Destino to retain his title in his 3rd defence, The Los Ingobernables stable celebrated after the match as all members now hold a championship in NJPW
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New Japan have announced the dates of this year’s New Japan Cup:
The First round matches will be taking place on March 11th/12th.
The Second round matches will be split between 4 shows from March 13th through to March 17th
The Semi-Final bouts will be taking place on March 19th
The Final will take place March 20th
The winner of the annual tournament will then decide to challenge for either the IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental or NEVER Openweight title at the company’s April 9th show at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The tournament has a very prestigious history, previous winners include Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata, Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kota Ibushi and the 2016 winner Tetsuya Naito.
The winner of this year’s tournament is likely to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight title as the current champion Kazuchika Okada does not yet have a clear feud going forward. After his bout at New Beginning with Minoru Suzuki he hinted at Tiger Mask W as a possible challenger for his belt, this may lead to Tiger Mask finally being unmasked as Kota Ibushi and leading to a program for the title.
Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ show that took place in Sapporo, Japan:
Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado b KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato – Desperado hit the Guitara de Angel on Kawato to take the win for his team. He now looks set to join the Junior ranks in NJPW following a staredown with KUSHIDA after the match.
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata b. Yoshitatsu, Henare & Tomoyuki Oka – Nagata took the submission win with the Nagata Lock 2 on Oka.
Will Ospreay, Jado & Gedo b. Katsuyori Shibata, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV – Ospreay hit the OsCutter on Tiger Mask to take the pinfall victory. He stated after the match that he would defeat Shibata for the Revolution Pro British Heavyweight Championship on February 11th
YOSHI-HASHI b. Takashi Iizuka – YOSHI-HASHI took the win in around 7 minutes with the Karma
Michael Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi – Dragon Lee won the bout following the Death Nukadora in around 13 minutes, he and Takahashi had a staredown after the bout ahead of their clash over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight belt on February 11th.
IWGP Junior Tag Championship Match: Rocky Romero & Barreta b. Taichi & TAKA Michinoku – Barretta hit the Strong Zero on TAKA Michinoku to retain the belts for Roppongi Vice in their 1st defence as champions.
NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Hirooki Goto b. Juice Robinson – Goto successfully defended his NEVER title after hitting the GTR for the pinfall victory. This was his first defence since winning the title from Shibata at Wrestle Kingdom.
IWGP Tag Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. – Yano rolled up Makabe in a schoolboy for the pinfall victory, this was also Ishii/Yano’s first title defence.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada b. Minoru Suzuki – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Suzuki for his third successful title defence. No one appeared after the match to challenge Okada for the belt however Okada hinted that Tiger Mask W may be his next feud.
It has been described by some as the greatest match in Professional Wrestling history and now New Japan have made Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Omega available to view for free on NJPWWorld.com for a limited time.
If you have not seen the bout or any NJPW content then this would be an excellent place to start, go to the 11th minute mark of the video if you want to skip the intros and get right into the action.
Here are the results from the third and final day of the CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania shows, the event is available to view on the NJPW World service now:
Cavernario, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Soberano Jr. & Henare – Cavernario took the win for his team following the Cavernaria on Blue Panther Jr
Stuka Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV b. Hechicero, OKUMURA & Raziel – Tiger Mask took the win for his team after hitting a Tiger Suplex on Raziel
Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee & Titan – BUSHI took the win after catching Titan in the BUSHI ROLL. After the match Takahashi took Dragon Lee’s mask
Ephisto, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Maximo Sexy, Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Taguchi to take the win via pinfall
Rush, Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & EVIL b. Atlantis, Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA & David Finlay – Naito took the pinfall win over Finlay
Mistico b. Euforia – Mistico took the win after hitting the La Mistica in just over 11 minutes
Volador Jr. b. Ultimo Guerrero – Volador Jr took the win after hitting an incredible Avalanche Spanish Fly
Here are the results from CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s co-branded Fantasticamania show that took place at the world famous Korakuen Hall (01/21- Day 2). If you are unfamiliar with Lucha style wrestling then this show (available on NJPW World) is certainly worth a watch.
Ephesto, Raziel, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Ephesto pinned Blue Panther to take the win for his team
Stuka Jr. b. OKUMURA – Stuka took the win in just under 8 minutes with a Torpedo Splash
Barbaro Cavernario, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Soberano Jr., KUSHIDA & Ryusuke Taguchi – Cavernario took the win for his team after hitting a Cavernaria on Soberano
Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee, Titan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & David Finlay – SANADA took the win for Los Ingobernables after hitting the Skull End on David Finlay
Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia b. Mistico & Volador Jr. – Ultimo took the win for his team with the Guerrero special on Volador Jr
Rush b. Atlantis – Rush hit the Rush Driver to secure the pinfall win in just under 11 minutes
CMLL World Heavyweight Championship Match: Maximo Sexy b. Hechicero – Maximo retained his CMLL World Heavyweight title after hitting an Avalanche style Frankensteiner on Hechicero