NJPW 2005: Dark Days are Over?

Rogue · January 26, 2018

Bleak times have befallen New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The premier Japanese promotion's standing as the dominant force in Japanese pro-wrestling has taken a tumble since the turn of the millennium, with the surging Pro Wrestling NOAH taking over the top spot in the country. New Japan appears to have lost its identity. At the moment, the mixed martial arts scene in Japan has utterly exploded in popularity, pushing New Japan's style (and talent acquisition for that matter) towards that of a MMA promotion in recent years.

With the company's premier event, the January 4th Tokyo Dome show, a few days away, a backstage power struggle has developed regarding the company's direction. While some faces behind the scenes wish to maintain the promotion's current product, a rising group of voices wish to push the promotion back to a more traditional wrestling-based feel to it.

With the interest in the wrestling industry and the Japanese economy both currently falling in a precarious position as we near the mid-point of the decade, New Japan may not just be wondering if it can weather yet another change in it, but if it can survive what's a near-historic lack of interest in wrestling in general.

ROSTER

Main Eventer

Hiroyoshi Tenzan - IWGP Heavyweight (since December 12th, 2004) (3rd reign)

Jushin Thunder Liger

Kazuyuki Fujita

Kensuke Sasaki

Masahiro Chono

Scott Norton

Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP Tag Team (w/Hiroshi Tanahashi since December 11th, 2004) (1st reign)

Tatsumi Fujinami

Yuji Nagata

Upper Midcarder

El Samurai

Gedo - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team (w/Jado since June 5th, 2004) (3rd reign)

Hiroshi Tanahashi - IWGP Tag Team (w/Shinsuke Nakamura since December 11th, 2004) (2nd reign) || IWGP U-30 Openweight (since April 23rd, 2003) (1st reign, inaugural champion)

Jado - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team (w/Gedo since June 5th, 2004) (3rd reign)

Koji Kanemoto

Manabu Nakanishi

Minoru Suzuki

Minoru Tanaka - IWGP Junior Heavyweight (since December 14th, 2003) (3rd reign)

Satoshi Kojima

Midcarder

Dick Togo

Hiro Saito

James Gibson

Kendo Kashin

Mitsuya Nagai

Osamu Nishimura

Shinya Makabe

Tadao Yasuda

Takashi Iizuka

Tatsutoshi Goto

Tiger Mask IV

Tomohiro Ishii

Wataru Inoue

Lower Midcarder

Akiya Anzawa

Blue Wolf

Hirooki Goto

Katsushi Takemura

Masayuki Naruse

Negro Casas

Ryusuke Taguchi

Opener

Hiroshi Nagao

Lizmark Jr.

Naofumi Yamamoto

TJ Perkins

Toru Yano

Enhancement Talent

Felino

Harry Smith

Rogue · January 26, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Toukan Festival: Wrestling World 2005 To be held from the Tokyo Dome in the Kanto region and shown LIVE on PPV</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Under-30 Openweight Championship' Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 60-minute time limit <img alt="KlfRW8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KlfRW8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Heavyweight Championship' Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Riki Choshu vs. Masahiro Chono 60-minute time limit <img alt="RKt0aem.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RKt0aem.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'Future Title Shot for the IWGP Heavyweight Title' Scott Norton vs. Manabu Nakanishi 30-minute time limit <img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. Osamu Nishimura 30-minute time limit <img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Minoru Suzuki vs. Takashi Iizuka 30-minute time limit <img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Tiger Mask IV 20-minute time limit <img alt="iyuWuMv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iyuWuMv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'#1 Contendership to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title' Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto 20-minute time limit <img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'#1 Contendership to the IWGP Tag Team Titles' Tatsumi Fujinami & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe & Hiro Saito 20-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles' Gedo & Jado © vs. Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura 15-minute time limit <img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">El Samurai, Kendo Kashin & Mitsuya Nagai vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson & Tomohiro Ishii 15-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Quick Picks for Toukan Festival: Wrestling World 2005 Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP U-30 Openweight Title Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Riki Choshu vs. Masahiro Chono - IWGP Heavyweight Title Scott Norton vs. Manabu Nakanishi Satoshi Kojima vs. Osamu Nishimura Minoru Suzuki vs. Takashi Iizuka Minoru Tanaka © vs. Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto Tatsumi Fujinami & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe & Hiro Saito Gedo & Jado © vs. Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles El Samurai, Kendo Kashin & Mitsuya Nagai vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson & Tomohiro Ishii TIEBREAKER: What will win Match of the Night? Hope to have a lot of fun with this save/dynasty, hope you guys enjoy it as well. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DGenerationMC · January 26, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP U-30 Openweight Title

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Riki Choshu vs. Masahiro Chono - IWGP Heavyweight Title

Scott Norton vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Satoshi Kojima vs. Osamu Nishimura

Minoru Suzuki vs. Takashi Iizuka

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title

Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto

Tatsumi Fujinami & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe & Hiro Saito

Gedo & Jado © vs. Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin & Mitsuya Nagai vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson & Tomohiro Ishii

TIEBREAKER: What will win Match of the Night? Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP U-30 Openweight Title

joemurphy · January 27, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP U-30 Openweight Title

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Riki Choshu vs. Masahiro Chono - IWGP Heavyweight Title

Scott Norton vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Satoshi Kojima vs. Osamu Nishimura

Minoru Suzuki vs. Takashi Iizuka

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title

Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto

Tatsumi Fujinami & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe & Hiro Saito

Gedo & Jado © vs. Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin & Mitsuya Nagai vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson & Tomohiro Ishii

TIEBREAKER: What will win Match of the Night? : Tanahashi vs Nakamura

Rogue · February 1, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Toukan Festival: Wrestling World 2005 Held in the Tokyo Dome in the Kanto region in front of 28,686 people and shown LIVE on Sky PerfectTV!</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Before the opening contest of the night, a hype video is shown of the show's main event - Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. The video promotes both as perhaps the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and suggests that tonight is a glimpse of future Tokyo Dome main events to come. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 69</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">El Samurai, Kendo Kashin & Mitsuya Nagai vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson & Tomohiro Ishii 15-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> From the opening bell, the heel team of Togo, Gibson and Ishii immediately pounced on their opponents and wouldn’t let up. Isolating Nagai from his teammates, the match essentially boiled down to a three-on-two matchup, with the numbers game playing into the heels’ favor. The masked veterans El Samurai and Kashin would each put up valiant efforts throughout the bout to bring the match to their favor and assist their ailing teammate, however, both would be sent over the top rope by Gibson and Ishii, allowing Togo to pin Nagai following a double underhook facebuster. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Dick Togo, James Gibson and Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 7:47. RATING: 52</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles' Gedo & Jado © vs. Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura 15-minute time limit <img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Experience would prove itself to be the deciding factor early on in the night's first title match as the three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team champions fought back early offensive threats from Inoue and Takamura. Takamura would surprise the champions a few minutes in though with a hurricanrana out of nowhere to Jado to clear the ring. With the champions taking time to regroup on the outside, Inoue would work his way around the ring to throw Jado in and take out Gedo, allowing his teammate to get some more offense in. The end stages of the match brought the competitors back to even with Takamura and Jado again finding themselves as the legal men. A half-nelson suplex grounded Jado, prompting Takamura to go for a boston crab, only to abandon his attempt and lock in a Gedo Clutch while taunting the move's innovator. Incensed, Gedo entered the ring and dropped Takamura with a superkick, then proceeding to knock Inoue off the apron with another one. With Gedo exiting back to his corner, a dazed Jado stumbled over to make the tag, sending Gedo to the top rope and onto Takamura with a Super Fly for the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Gedo and Jado by pinfall in 11:45. Gedo and Jado retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. (Defense #1) RATING: 60</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'#1 Contendership to the IWGP Tag Team Titles' Tatsumi Fujinami & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe & Hiro Saito 20-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The veterans Fujinami and Nagata got on offense in this match from the get go, putting in their fair share of moves on both Makabe and Saito. Attempts from Makabe to fight his way back into the match provided for a brief back-and-forth chop fest with Nagata that got the crowd involved with the match, but his attempts proved to be futile as he'd be floored by the veterans. The match eventually was brought to a quick end with Nagata dropping Saito with a backdrop hold and then immediately locking in a Nagata Lock II for the submission. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata by submission in 8:59. RATING: 71</div> In their post-match press conference, Fujinami and Nagata hype up their position as #1 contender to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura's IWGP Tag Team Titles. Both vow to utilize their title shot at February's still yet-to-be-named pay-per-view. Nagata's attitude towards the two twenty-somethings was dismissive as he vowed to 'smack them down back into the earth.' Fujinami's attitude towards the match and his opponents wasn't as negative as his partner's. The six-time IWGP Heavyweight champion seemed more insistent on showing that at 52 years of age, he still had something to show to the company's young up-and-comers. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 74</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'#1 Contendership to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title' Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto 20-minute time limit <img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A battle between two of the greatest IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions of all-time, a lengthy staredown kicked off this 20-minute bout. 11-time champ Liger went to extend a hand to four-time champion Kanemoto but faked his unmasked opponent out, running his hand over the top of his mask instead. The early portion of the bout featured an overconfident Liger, who took his time to play to the crowd and taunt his frequently downed opponent. Kanemoto took offense to his opponent's nonchalant attitude towards their match and immediately pounced on Liger, softening him up with stiff blow after stiff blow. Several near-falls took place during the mid-portion of the match with Kanemoto landing two successive vertical suplex powerslams. Perhaps with a bit of frustration, Kanemoto went up top for a high-risk moonsault which Liger rolled out of the way of. Liger continued with some offense of his own before leading to both trading blows in the center of the ring in an exchange that ended with a quick rake to the eye by Kanemoto. Slipping out of a bridging tiger suplex attempt, Liger rolled through for a near fall. Once he rose, it was clear that the relaxed attitude from Liger was gone as he immediately went back to work on Kanemoto. Kanemoto fights back several times until a surprise palm thrust by Liger sets up a perfectly executed Ligerbomb. Red Shoes drops down and slaps the canvas twice before Kanemoto throws up a shoulder at the very last second! Liger incredulously (well, imagine it anyways) looks at Red Shoes before slapping the mat himself in frustration. Liger then picks up his opponent, who fights back once more with some more strikes until Liger repeats his previous attempt at a finishing sequence. This time, however, Liger ascends to the top rope and nails a frogsplash before successfully pinning Kanemoto for the #1 contendership. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Jushin Thunder Liger by pinfall in 14:21. RATING: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Tiger Mask IV 20-minute time limit <img alt="iyuWuMv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iyuWuMv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Two different strategies were on display from each wrestler at the beginning of this one as Tanaka wished to kick the match off with a slow, methodical pace with various grappling maneuvers; Tiger Mask, on the other hand, got started with a flurry of quick strikes trying to get Tanaka off his feet. An attempt at a running forearm strike by Tiger Mask was side-stepped by the reigning Junior Heavyweight champion as he was then thrown over the top rope and to the outside. A rebound off the ropes led to a perfectly-executed plancha onto the stunned challenger on the outside, which led to a brief striking battle on the outside. Once the match returned to the ring, Tanaka immediately went to work with a varying sequence of suplexes. The resilient challenger managed to block what would've been the fourth suplex in a row - dropping Tanaka face first into the turnbuckle with a drop toe hold. Once the champion rose to his feet, a dropkick from Tiger Mask to Tanaka's back followed up by a schoolboy led to the first near fall of the match. Each competitor fought for the advantage once both of them got to their feet, leading to Tiger Mask eventually throwing Tanaka through the ropes to the outside. This time, it was Tanaka who was on the received end of some inside-to-outside offense as Tiger Mask performed a baseball slide to the outside and to the face of the kneeling champion. Tiger Mask then took to the apron to execute a running knee strike to the champion but was met with a spectacular mid-air dropkick for his efforts. After the action returned to the ring, Tanaka continued to wear down the torso of the masked hero, bringing the pace down a bit. Each time the challenger appeared to be about to slip out of a hold, Tanaka would wrangle him back under control. This would continue on for a bit until Tiger Mask would get hold of a rope, forcing Tanaka to break the hold. Bit of jawing between the ref and the champion provided Tiger Mask with enough time to get to the outside of the ropes and launch himself over the ref and onto Tanaka with an outstanding flying body press and into a pin that results in an extremely close near pinfall. Seeing an opportunity open up, Tiger Mask ascended to the top turnbuckle and briefly soaked in the roars from the crowd as he leapt for a Diving Headbutt... but Tanaka gets up a knee in time, clocking his opponent right in the temple! From here, Tanaka sprang up and made his way up to the top rope for what was surely to be a 450 Splash attempt. However, as he launched off, he merely leapt off with no rotation and stopped short of Tiger Mask - who sat up to dodge a 450 attempt. A swift and vicious kick to the head downed the surprised Tiger Mask as Tanaka immediately locked in a Minoru Special. The dazed Tiger Mask had no choice but to tap out after a short struggle in the hold. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Minoru Tanaka by submission in 16:55. Minoru Tanaka retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title. (Defense #12) RATING: 81</div> In his post-match press conference, Tanaka states that he's not too concerned about having Jushin Thunder Liger lined up as his next opponent. Tanaka runs over the fact that he is the most dominant IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion in history with his record-expanding 12th title defense. With that statistic in mind, Tanaka asks the Japanese press in attendance why should he be concerned with Liger, even if he is an 11-time Junior Heavyweight champion? <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 85</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Minoru Suzuki vs. Takashi Iizuka 30-minute time limit <img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A brawl from the get-go with both trading strikes with one another, the action quickly broke when Suzuki slipped out of an early sleeper attempt by his opponent. An unnerving smirk from Suzuki didn't rattle Iizuka at all as the two went right back at it with a battle of 'who can hit the bejeezus out of the other one harder?' A backhand chop battle ended once Suzuki dodged an attempt by Iizuka and then planted him with a dropkick. From here, the advantage went to Suzuki as he worked his opponent over with a variety of submission holds designed to cut off his opponent's air flow. Iizuka did a good job of managing to fully prevent Suzuki from being able to lock in a sleeper of his own - navigating around to eventually drop Suzuki with a side suplex. The back and forth nature of the match continued onto their feet as Iizuka backed Suzuki into a corner and proceeded to bite him, a move that was followed by a quick shove from Suzuki and a swift open-handed slap to Iizuka. Again, no one could get a clear advantage from here as the bouts of offense from each would only last about a minute at a time. Suzuki did manage to kick out of a surprise exploder suplex pin attempt and would then slide out of the ring to regain energy for a counter-attack. Iizuka followed out to ringside to chase Suzuki around the ring and would be caught himself by a surprise dropkick that sent him flying into the steel guardrail surrounding the ring. Once both returned to the ring, Suzuki would fight to lock in a sleeper on his fellow master of the hold and would ultimately get it secured in. Fighting around while flailing his arms around for the rope, Iizuka managed to grab the back of Suzuki's head and stun him with a jawbreaker, snapmaring him over into a sleeper of his own. Suzuki miraculously would recover back to his feet and would manage to trip up Iizuka, stunning him long enough to once again lock in a sleeper of his own. This time, there would be no escape for Iizuka as the referee would end up calling for the bell. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Minoru Suzuki by submission in 12:56. RATING: 80</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. Osamu Nishimura 30-minute time limit <img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Standard start to this match: lockup, takedown, break, stand-off, lockup, takedown, break, stand-off. Bit of a struggle for control in the beginning until Kojima managed to take over. Flooring Nishimura with a clothesline, the fight then proceeded to the ground where the pace cooled off for several minutes. Nishimura managed to fight back to a standing base and then hit a quick knee to the jaw before rebounding off the ropes with a running forearm. Nishimura then controlled the match for the next couple minutes, repeating what Kojima did by bringing the match's pace back down. In a repeat of the reversal from before, Kojima fought his way back up but some kicks to the back of the knee from Nishimura re-grounded him. The pace was brought back up once Kojima fought his way to his feet again and then was met with an enzuigiri after fighting back with some strikes of his own. A clothesline attempt by Nishimura found itself dodged by Kojima who rebounded with a stiff running elbow to the face. Kojima then went for a quick cutter attempt that was broken up by Nishimura, however, Kojima then immediately caught the defender off guard with another cutter, dropping him to the mat with the following pin attempt resulting in a near fall. After regaining some more energy (and his composure), Kojima ascended to the top rope but was caught and thrown to the mat by Nishimura, who quickly went to the top himself and hit a moonsault for a near fall of his own. Spotting an opportunity to finish the match at around the 15-minute mark, Nishimura hit a quick cutter on Kojima, utilizing his opponent's finisher against him for what turned out to be another near-fall. Nishimura then picked up a Kojima and signalled for a finisher of his own and proceeded to hoist him up for a Northern Lights Suplex; the attempt was blocked by Kojima who then hit a Koji Lariat. Instead of immediately going for the pin, Kojima was determined to punish his opponent for stealing his finish by picking him up and planting him with a second Koji Lariat. 1, 2, 3, the match was Kojima's. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Satoshi Kojima by pinfall in 16:44. RATING: 73</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'Future Title Shot for the IWGP Heavyweight Title' Scott Norton vs. Manabu Nakanishi 30-minute time limit <img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The two competitors featured in this bout went right at with heavy blow after heavy blow traded between the two behemoths. Given what was on the line, any level of intensity less than what was already displayed would be a disappointment. Nakanishi's hunger for a shot at his potential first reign as the IWGP Heavyweight champ was visible early on as he grabbed the early advantage and downed Norton with several heavy, clubbing blows. Norton powered through some more stiff offense to return the favor of some stiff strikes of his own. Nakanishi appeared to almost absorb the impact of some of Norton's strikes as he then grabbed the back of the gaijin's head and deliver a vicious knee strike to his chin. Nakanishi proceeds to pick up Norton and gets him in position for a Hercules Cutter, but a quick elbow to the back of the head allows Norton to slip out and surprise Nakanishi with a release german suplex. As both wrestlers stir, another trading of strikes occurs with both exchanging backhand chop after backhand chop. Nakanishi breaks the exchange with a knee to the stomach, sending Norton reeling towards the ropes. Rebounding off the opposite side of the ring, Nakanishi then clotheslined his opponent to the outside; with the momentum carrying him out as well. From there, the fight continued on the floor as the two fought their way around the entire ring. Norton went back on offense shortly after bouncing Nakanishi's head off of a ring post, dropping him with a strong lariat on the floor and then rolling back into the ring to catch his breath. Red Shoes counts to 16 until Nakanishi finally rolls in to the ring to be met with a lariat attempt that Nakanishi just dodges. Off the rebound, Nakanishi manages to quickly get Norton up on his shoulders and drops him with a Hercules Cutter! 1...2...NO!! Nakanishi, feeling confident of a potential victory coming his way, starts berating a slowly rising Norton, accompanying his verbal abuse with several slaps to the back of the head. Nakanishi then picks up the dazed Norton for a second Hercules Cutter, but Norton slips loose, pushes Nakanishi away, and floors him with a lariat! 1...2...Nakanishi just gets the shoulder up! Norton signals to the 28,000+ in attendance that the end is near as he picks his opponent up for a Powerslam attempt, but Nakanishi slips out and desperately goes for what should be one final Hercules Cutter. Nakanishi's desperation leads to sloppiness, however, as Norton breaks loose yet again and grabs an arm to plant Nakanishi's head into the mat with a single-arm DDT. 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Scott Norton by pinfall in 16:23. RATING: 56</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Prior to the night's co-main event, a video package is shown of the upcoming bout for the IWGP Heavyweight title. Highlights from Tenzan, Choshu and Chono's combined seven reigns are shown with the conclusion of the video being a three-way 'tale of the tape' graphic of the three grapplers. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 91 'IWGP Heavyweight Championship' Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Riki Choshu vs. Masahiro Chono 60-minute time limit <img alt="RKt0aem.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RKt0aem.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The three competitors each stare each other down, but Tenzan and Chono immediately break towards Choshu and start beating down on the veteran. After a minute or so of knocking Choshu around the ring, both men dump over the top ropes before immediately throwing their attention towards each other with Chono taking the advantage. Wearing down the champion through a variety of chops and several standing holds, Tenzan eventually fights back with several headbutts thrown Chono's way as he goes on offense. Choshu, biding his time on the outside, re-enters the ring and assists on the beatdown on Chono, helping by dropping Chono with a neckbreaker. Sensing an opening given his strategy of targeting the 53-year-old earlier, Tenzan goes back to beating down on Choshu and goes for a quick Tenzan Tombstone Driver attempt, but Choshu successfully blocks it, delivers a headbutt and then proceeds to throw Tenzan through the ropes. The struggle provided Chono with another opportunity to pounce as he then clobbered Choshu with a running double axe handle from behind to go back on the attack. Couple strong grounded holds on the veteran provide Chono with enough confidence to get up and attempt a FTS, but Tenzan recovers from the outside in time to deliver a boot to the back of Chono's head and break the hold. The fight moves back to being Tenzan vs. Chono as the two find themselves trading standing blows amongst each other. A quick rake to the eyes of the champion moves the fight back to Chono's favor as he drops the champ with a back suplex and then follows with a Shining Yakuza attempt... but Choshu manages to get back in the ring in time and intercepts Chono with a brutal Lariat! Choshu goes for the cover on Tenzan! Can he steal it!? 1...2...No! As Chono recovers in the corner, Choshu picks up Tenzan and goes for a Lariat on the champion and it connects! 1...2...Tenzan just manages to get a shoulder up! Choshu immediately goes back for another pin which results in another near fall. Rising to his knees, Choshu's face shows a mix of frustration and surprise as he then gets up to turn around and walk right into a Yakuza Kick from Chono! Cover on Choshu, 1...2...Choshu miraculously kicks out! With his attempt at the finish, Chono slumps over from exhaustion in the center of the ring with his two competitors each remaining downed as well. Tenzan is the first to stir as he gets up and drags Choshu back to his feet, alternating mongolian chops and backhand chops to the veteran before standing him up for a TTD attempt. As he goes to hoist Choshu up, he just dodges out of the way of a charging Chono, who misses Tenzan with a Yakuza Kick and blasts Choshu with it instead. Chono's momentum carries him straight to the corner turnbuckle, causing him to bounce off to Tenzan's grasp, who throws the reeling challenger through the ropes to the outside. Tenzan then immediately picks up Choshu and drops him with a Tenzan Tombstone Piledriver. 1...2...3, Tenzan makes his first title defense. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroyoshi Tenzan by pinfall in 18:12. Hiroyoshi Tenzan retains the IWGP Heavyweight title. (Defense #1) RATING: 83</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Under-30 Openweight Championship' Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 60-minute time limit <img alt="KlfRW8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KlfRW8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The two tag-team partners shake hands following the ring of the opening bell as they each circle around each other. Following the opening lockup, both engage in a back-and-forth grappling bout in the early handful of minutes with neither man getting an advantage. The first man to get any sort of decent advantage, however, is Tanahashi as he hits a surprise dropkick on a rebounding Nakamura to go on offense. Interesting strategy was at play in the early goings in this one as Tanahashi applied various submission holds to wear his tag partner's energy out. Given that he and Nakamura were slated to have a IWGP Tag Team title defense scheduled at February's big show, Tanahashi likely wouldn't be looking to cause significant damage to one of his partner's limbs. Nakamura would eventually power his way back to his feet by throwing several elbows to back Tanahashi off of him. Once he got sufficient space between himself and the U-30 champion, Nakamura rebounded off the ropes and dropped him with a flying forearm. The challenger didn't seem to subscribe to the same strategy that Tanahashi had been sticking to, as, once on the ground, Nakamura targeted his tag partner's legs with strikes and submissions. Reaching the ropes after being trapped in a modified STF, Tanahashi slides to the outside to take a lap around the ring with his face showing clear discomfort. Nakamura chooses not to pursue as Tanahashi eventually rolls back into the ring at a 12-count. Quick lock up and Tanahashi again goes on the offense as he pulls Nakamura in towards his body with an aggressive headlock. From here, the champion's demeanor has clearly changed as he now aggressively targets Nakamura's neck. After a minute of wearing him Nakamura down, Tanahashi drills him to the mat with a dragon screw legwhip and then locks in a figure-four. Nakamura scrambles for the ropes and eventually gets to them after roughly one full minute of torture. Once on his feet, Tanahashi stomps repeatedly on Nakamura's legs as he then drops a knee on his knee and then on his head. Dazed, Nakamura can't offer much defense as Tanahashi brings him back to his feet and floors him once again with a german suplex. Back to working the legs, Tanahashi drags Nakamura to the center of the ring and manages to lock in a loose Texas Cloverleaf which Nakamura manages to scramble out of after just a few seconds. This time, Nakamura takes to the outside area to recuperate, sliding back in just prior to the 20-count. The challenger slides back into the ring as he fends off a series of quick strikes from the champion before shoving him away and hitting him with a quick lariat that drops both to the mat. Nakamura stirs first as he locks a grounded sleeper onto Tanahashi in a bit of a desperate attempt at a submission. Tanahashi eventually powers out of it and goes for a back suplex, but Nakamura lands on his feet and hits another lariat to the back of Tanahashi's head. Nakamura runs to the opposite corner and gets into a pouncing position, waiting for Tanahashi to stand. Once his opponent does get to his feet, Nakamura charges for a running knee, but Tanahashi himself runs across the ring to hit a shock running forearm. Leaping to the top of the turnbuckle, Tanahashi leaps off for a High Fly Flow and Nakamura dodges! With his opponent reeling, Nakamura crawls over to lock in a Cross Armbar! Struggling on the ground for over a minute, Tanahashi once again manages to get to the ropes, forcing Red Shoes to intervene and break the hold, much to the dismay of Nakamura. Seated dropkick to the rising Tanahashi prompts Nakamura to wait in the corner again, where he then pounced once more for a running knee, but Tanahashi again miraculously dodges! Nakamura hits the turnbuckle chest first, allowing Tanahashi to roll him up for a near fall. From here, it was Tanahashi's opportunity to try to finish the match off with a submission as he locks in a tight Texas Cloverleaf on Nakamura. Nakamura tries to scramble about for a rope break and eventually rolls through to attempt to break the hold, but Tanahashi keeps it locked in! After a struggle on the ground, Nakamura gets one leg free and boots his tag partner in the face, then getting up and retreating to a corner to recover. Tanahashi then gets up and charges at Nakamura but Nakamura sits him down with his running knee! Dragging Tanahashi to his feet, Nakamura positions himself on the second rope and pulls Tanahashi across his shoulders. Tanahashi struggles to break free but Nakamura launches off and connects with a samoan drop! Nakamura immediately locks in another cross armbar and after a minute of trying to break free, Tanahashi has no choice but to tap out in the center of the ring! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by submission in 26:37. Shinsuke Nakamura becomes the 2nd IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion. (1st reign) RATING: 69</div> Following their absolute brawl of a match, Nakamura walks to and faces a corner admiring his newly-acquired U-30 Openweight championship. Tanahashi soon gets back to his feet while grimacing and clutching his arm. Nakamura then turns around and, hesitatingly, makes his way to the center of the ring to meet Tanahashi. Nakamura then extends a handshake towards his tag partner - an offer that Tanahashi takes several seconds to consider before accepting. Tanahashi then raises the hand of the new champion in a move that gets the Tokyo Dome crowd going. Nakamura then proceeds to climb each turnbuckle and pose to the 28,000+ in attendance with the belt being held above his head. As Tanahashi moves to exit the ring, he stops short of making his way out, turns, and shoots an emotionless stare at the celebrating Nakamura. Tanahashi then exits the ring, grabs his IWGP Tag Team belt, and makes his way back up the entrance ramp. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 69</div> Nakamura then grabs a microphone and thanks the audience for coming out to this year's Tokyo Dome show. He vows to defend the U-30 Openweight championship with honor and dignity as Tanahashi had. Nakamura also thanks Tanahashi for pushing him to the limits in their main event contest. Running in contrast to his dignity comment though, Nakamura claims that he's the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and that tonight is a glimpse of the future of the company. Nakamura thanks the fans one more time as he drops the microphone as gold and yellow confetti and streamers fill the ring. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 83</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 79 PPV BUYS: 337,450 buys (0.67 rating)</div> Prediction Results DGenerationMC: 7/10 joemurphy: 6/10 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Wrestling Observer Article by Dave Meltzer New Japan Officials Miffed with Wrestling World Results</div> Word out of late-Thursday night has been that officials with New Japan Pro-Wrestling were conflicted with the results of the promotion's annual January 4th Tokyo Dome show. Despite being a solid four-star show overall, the performances of the two main events have been a source of confliction amongst different factions of the promotion's booking committee. The committee assumed they could get a bit more out of the night's headlining bout of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. Both men are extremely talented performers, but weren't quite able to live up to the performance Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Riki Choshu and Masahiro Chono put in in the night's co-main event for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. With that, some officials have argued that pushing the youngsters such as Tanahashi and Nakamura as main event stars may not be the ideal course of action; instead, focusing on the established veterans of Tenzan, Chono and the like would be the better bet. Granted, in terms of financial success, the company must be pleased with the revenue generated from PPV sales. But, the number of attendees came as a bit of disappointment, with the reported audience figure of 28,686 being the lowest ever for the annual Tokyo Dome show. Again, the reasoning for that figure has been subject to backstage debate, with some pinning it on the perceived lack of draw both Tanahashi and Nakamura had and with some pinning it on the general lack of interest in Japanese pro-wrestling at the moment.</div></blockquote>

Rogue · February 1, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> New Japan Pro-Wrestling proudly presents... New Year's Dash!! (2005) To be held from the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo (Kanto) and be shown LIVE on TV Asahi</div> Just one night removed from Wrestling World 2005, New Japan Pro-Wrestling quickly returns to action with a stop at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall for the first-ever running of New Year's Dash!! A total of six matches find themselves placed on the card with a total of 26 competitors to be featured in them. The night's two co-main events are to be Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima (TenKoji) vs. Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton (Black New Japan) in the headlining slot and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi in the secondary slot. Also expected to take place during the night's course of events are announcements regarding New Japan Pro-Wrestling's schedule leading up to its one-month March hiatus and what lies ahead in April. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">TenKoji vs. Black New Japan Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton 30-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi 30-minute time limit <img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'Non-Title' Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito 15-minute time limit <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tatsumi Fujinami, Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe 15-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'Non-Title' Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV 15-minute time limit <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi and Harry Smith vs. Negro Casas, Lizmark Jr. and Felino 15-minute time limit <img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="0g4hYea.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0g4hYea.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bvN1EgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bvN1EgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JO6MfCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JO6MfCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Quick Picks for New Year's Dash!! TenKoji vs. Black New Japan Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito - Non-Title Tatsumi Fujinami, Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - Non-Title Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL Tiebreaker: What match will be the match of the night?

DGenerationMC · February 1, 2018

TenKoji vs. Black New Japan

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito - Non-Title

Tatsumi Fujinami, Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe

Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - Non-Title

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

Tiebreaker: What match will be the match of the night? Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV

DREAM · February 2, 2018

TenKoji vs. Black New Japan

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito - Non-Title

Tatsumi Fujinami, Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe

Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - Non-Title

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

Tiebreaker: What match will be the match of the night? Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Rogue · February 4, 2018

New Year's Dash!! (2005)

Held from the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo (Kanto) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,205 people and shown LIVE on TV Asahi

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL
Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi and Harry Smith vs. Negro Casas, Lizmark Jr. and Felino
15-minute time limit

VS

The opening contest of the night featured got underway with Felino and Goto kicking the match off. Goto controlled the early portions of the match until Negro Casas was tagged in, at which point the CMLL World Middleweight champion began to take over control from the youngster.

Each individual and each team got in their own fair share of offense, with various moments to attempt to spruce up the fresh crowd. Each individual would have a decent amount of offense put in, although Lizmark Jr's efforts were noticeably off to the crowd.

End of the match featured Casas and Goto as the legal men with their teammates fighting away on the outside. Casas managed to lock in a Scorpion Deathlock on Goto with some help from the ropes in a submission that would finish this one off.

WINNERS: Team CMLL by submission in 8:55.
RATING: 23

'Non-Title'
Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV
15-minute time limit

VS

Gedo and Liger kicked this bout off with a lot of fast-paced grappling with neither man able to gain a clear advantage over the other. Quick tags out to their respective partners led to an identical result between both Jado and Tiger Mask. Another double tag out and Gedo and Liger lock up yet again, with Gedo going on the attack, bringing Liger down to one knee.

The match retained its even quality as Liger quickly fought back, a rebound rolling wheel kick later and he found himself in control. A minute of wearing Gedo down in the center of the mat, the Junior Heavyweight Tag champ rose to his feet, gave Liger a quick kick in the gut, and tagged out to Jado.

The fresh Jado took Liger by surprise and roughed him up with a combo of strikes, making sure to isolate him from his corner. The champions utilized a variety of double-team moves, tagging each other in and out of the ring. Liger would eventually roll out of a back suplex attempt from Jado and would deliver a double clothesline to both Gedo and Jado before making the hot tag to Tiger Mask.

The fresh Tiger Mask quickly hit both of his opponents with quick running strikes to continually ground them and send them both to the outside. Once they both stood up, Liger entered the ring as both he and his opponent launched themselves over the top rope and onto the tag champs. Tiger Mask, once he recovered, rolled Jado back into the ring and immediately went up to the top rope and launched off for a Diving Headbutt which Jado just rolled out of the way of! Jado immediately gets up and gets Tiger Mask up for a Backdrop Suplex... and it connects! Cover! 1...2...Liger just gets into the ring and just breaks up the count!

Both legal men take a bit of time recovering, but Jado recovers first and tags Gedo back in. As the ref argues with a retreating Liger, Gedo gets Tiger Mask up for a quick Superkick attempt, but misses, allowing Tiger Mask to hit a quick jawbreaker and get the tag to Liger.

Liger explodes out of his corner with a rolling wheel kick, following it up with a dropkick to Jado as the match clock hits 13:00. The #1 contender to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title lines Gedo up for another rolling wheel kick and gets it to connect as he immediately hops to the top rope and connects with a moonsault. Pin attempt has Gedo get his shoulder up right at the count of two as Liger works to pick Gedo up, the champion grabs the challenger for a quick DDT, but Liger counters that with a northern lights suplex into another pin attempt for another two-count.

14:00

Liger heads up top again, this time looking for another moonsault, but Jado runs over to prevent the living legend from jumping off. Tiger Mask, recovering from his earlier beatdown, knocks Jado off of the apron and takes him out with a flying knee to the outside. His partner's distraction buying him enough time, Gedo is quickly up as he goes for a german off of the top rope, but he's kicked away by Liger. Liger launches off with a flying body press and Gedo is down! Just as Liger goes for the cover, the bell rings to signify that time's up! From his knees, Liger raises his hands in frustration and then shakes his head in dismay.

TIME LIMIT DRAW
RATING: 75

Tatsumi Fujinami, Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe
15-minute time limit

VS

Nagata and Fujita get the match underway with the match, as expected, starting out as even until Fujita took control. Attempting to wear Nagata down with some MMA-style strikes, Nagata got up and both started going blow for blow with each other. An early lariat attempt by Fujita was dodged by Nagata, however, as he slipped under and delivered a belly-to-back suplex before tagging out to Fujinami.

Fujinami was able to keep Fujita grounded for a bit, but the two-time IWGP Heavyweight champion was able to fight back and ground the veteran with several strong knees before tagging out to Makabe. Makabe beat down on Fujinami for several moments and, perhaps a bit overconfident thanks to him beating down on a six-time IWGP Heavyweight champ, provided Fujinami with an opening to trip him up and tag out to Ishii.

Ishii provided his fair share of offense over Makabe, showing his worth to his older teammates. An enzuigiri into sliding lariat combo provided a near fall for Ishii, but Makabe would end up fighting back and tagging out to Suzuki. At this point, Ishii's momentum hit a brick wall as Suzuki downed the 30-year-old with a tackle and then locked in a grounded sleeper, looking to finish the match early.

Nagata entered the ring to break the hold and did so, prompting Suzuki to rise and scowl at the former champion. Nagata's attempts to size Suzuki up with a back and forth strikefest were met with a swift sleeper attempt - Suzuki, as per usual, not putting up with any nonsense. Ishii would soon recover and break Suzuki's sleeper, a move that led to all six competitors brawling in the center of the ring.

Once Red Shoes regained control of the match, the legal men winded up being Fujinami and Fujita again. Fujita again took control over Fujinami, utilizing an amateur wrestling takedown until several submission attempts on the ground. Fujinami would end up finding his way to the ropes to provide a break to the action. Once he was back on his feet, Nagata was tagged back in and immediately took the fight back to Fujita.

Sensing that he was in danger after his attempts to fight back against the fresh Nagata eventually fell apart, Fujita tagged out to Makabe. Nagata and Makabe went back and forth in the closing minutes of the bout until Nagata nailed a surprise Drive Screw before locking in a Nagata Lock II. Fujinami would make his way around the ring to obstructing a recovering Fujita's re-entrance to the ring as Ishii would take one for the team by obstructing Suzuki's path to the ring, eating several stiff blows for his efforts. With no help in sight, Makabe was forced to tap out.

WINNERS: Yuji Nagata, Tatsumi Fujinami and Tomohiro Ishii by submission in 13:36.
RATING: 74

An announcement via video form is shown revealing New Japan Pro-Wrestling's upcoming schedule prior to its March hiatus.

---

To close out the month of January, New Japan will host a two-night event in Nagoya called The New Beginning in Nagoya with the first night to be held in the Nagoya International Exhibition Hall (4,000) and the second night to be held in the Nagoya Rainbow Hall (10,000.) Both events will be shown on live TV.

Announced matches thus far for the event are...

Night 1: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki and Satoshi Kojima vs. Scott Norton
Night 2: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka in a non-title matchup and, in a rematch of an earlier bout tonight, Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.

---

The month of February's major pay-per-view event will be Fighting Spirit and thus far features the following matches...

- Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton - IWGP Heavyweight Championship
- Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
- Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team Championships

Also to be held through the month of February will be the inaugural IWGP U-30 Challenge, a round-robin tournament featuring 12 wrestlers younger than 30 years of age. The full lineup for the tournament will be revealed across both nights of The New Beginning in Nagoya.

The winner of the tournament will receive a future title shot at Shinsuke Nakamura's IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. The final of the tournament will take place at Fighting Spirit.

---

Set to take place once the company returns to action in April will be the first running of another tournament, the New Japan Cup. This 16-man bracket-style tournament will run across three preliminary events before ending with a pay-per-view dedicated to the final match of the tournament.

The winner of the tournament will receive a title shot for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at May's pay-per-view.

'Non-Title'
Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto and
Hiro Saito
15-minute time limit

VS

Despite going through an all-out war against each other last night, the team of Tanahashi and Nakamura didn't appear to have lost a step in this one, maintaining control through a significant portion of the match. Saito would be the better performer of the two veterans, getting in the most offense for both himself and Goto.

A slight amount of tension was present between the IWGP Tag Team champions though, as the champs wouldn't utilize many double-team moves against Goto and Saito. While Nakamura was sure to tag out to keep himself fresh throughout the match, Tanahashi would purposefully stay in longer, even if it allowed a fresh Goto or Saito at times get the best of him.

The two veterans couldn't keep Tanahashi down for long though as he would finish Saito off just past the 10-minute mark with a High Fly Flow.

WINNERS: Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura by pinfall in 10:57.
RATING: 69

After Goto and Saito cleared themselves out of the ring and headed to the back, Nakamura and Tanahashi were left standing in the ring by themselves. Nakamura, holding both his newly-won IWGP U-30 Openweight title and both IWGP Tag Team titles in his arms, struck up a non-miked conversation with Tanahashi.

After roughly a half-minute of talking to his partner, Nakamura handed a tag title to Tanahashi, who slung it over his shoulder. Whatever tension there appeared to be between the two during the match seemed to dissipate when Nakamura lightly slapped Tanahashi's title on his shoulder with Tanahashi nodding in return. The two then exited the ring and headed up the ramp together.

RATING: 71

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Manabu Nakanishi
30-minute time limit

VS

Even matchup to start this one with both going back and forth on strikes and then going back and forth on attempted shoulder tackles. Sasaki eventually tires of this test of toughness of sorts and dodges a tackle by Nakanashi and throws him out of the ring. The two competitors take their fight out to the floor, throwing punches against each other. Nakanishi ends up hitting Sasaki in the abdomen with a knee and then goes on the offense, rolling his opponent back into the ring.

From there, Nakanishi has a smothering tight offense on Sasaki, dropping several knee drops on his head following a lariat. Couple pinfall attempts later, Nakanishi shoots a quick glare at the ref and then walks right into an uppercut to his opponent. Once back on offense, Sasaki softened up his opponent with several stiff punches and knees before dropping him with a spinebuster and then locking in a sharpshooter. Nakanishi struggles in the hold for a good while but manages to break a leg free and trip up Sasaki with a kick to the back of the knee. Sasaki may be in trouble as he's clutching his knee, but he just manages to duck a knee to the back of the head and delivers another spinebuster to his rebounding opponent for a near fall.

Sasaki manages to get in some more offense, but drops to one leg to favor his knee again, allowing Nakanishi to get some more offense in. The former Olympic wrestler drives his opponent to the mat with a spear, waits and then drills him back down with a diving overhead chop that only yields a near fall. Nakanishi signals to the sold out crowd that this one is just about over as he hoists Sasaki up and goes for a Hercules Cutter, but Sasaki manages to scramble out as he counters with a bulldog.

Several knife-edged chops don't bring Nakanishi back down to the mat with several shoulder tackles not doing the trick either. A mighty Lariat does the trick though and results in a near-fall. Again, Sasaki is a bit slow to get back up to both feet, but once he does he hoists Nakanishi up for a Northern Lights Bomb but his knee can't support the extra weight as he drops his opponent.

The moment allows Nakanishi another opportunity to go for a Hercules Cutter, which he seizes, but Sasaki managed to slip out yet again and this time managed to actually hit a Northern Lights Bomb for the three-count.

WINNER: Kensuke Sasaki by pinfall in 18:16
RATING: 66

TenKoji vs. Black New Japan
Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton
30-minute time limit

VS

A brawl between all four competitors gets the match underway with Kojima and Chono eventually establishing themselves as the legal men for the start. Chono is in control for the early stages of the match, exchanging quick tags with Norton to keep their side fresh while continuously wearing down the body of Kojima.

Kojima does eventually begin to fight back and drops Black New Japan with a double clothesline before getting the hot tag off to Tenzan. Once the IWGP Heavyweight Champion hits the ring, he immediately clears the ring of Chono and then starts laying the offense to his Fighting Spirit challenger. Riding high on the momentum of getting in a great string of offense, Tenzan goes for an early Tenzan Tombstone Driver, but Norton slips out the back and retreats to the apron.

As Tenzan went to chase Norton to the outside, Chono nails an unsuspecting Tenzan with a clothesline on the outside. At this point, Norton took over on offense again as he rolled Tenzan back into the ring and weakens him with a variety of suplexes. An attempt at a back suplex was properly defended by Tenzan, who dropped his opponent with a belly-to-belly and then tagged out to Kojima.

Norton only had to withstand a small amount of offense from Kojima before he tagged back out to Chono. The fresh Chono's early attempts at mounting a charge proved futile though as Kojima would work his way towards a neutral corner and continuously lay the chops on to his opponent. Norton worked his way over towards the neutral corner, but was taken down with a strong chop from Kojima, who went to chop Chono again but was met with a face full of turnbuckle instead and an enzuigiri to the back of the head.

Chono continued to wear down Kojima some more, eventually flooring him with a Yakuza Kick which resulted in a near fall thanks to Tenzan entering the ring to break it up. As Tenzan retreated back to his corner, Chono pounced on him and hit a Yakuza Kick to the champion's back, sending him crashing into the turnbuckle and down to the mat. Back in position, Norton stuck his hand for the tag and received it from the Black New Japan leader.

Once in the ring, Norton signaled for and then delivered a brutal Powerslam on Kojima. But, he wasn't done yet. Making sure that Tenzan was watching as Chono kept the champion restrained from making his way to the center of the ring, Norton dropped Kojima with a second Powerslam and then pinned him for the win.

WINNERS: Black New Japan by pinfall in 21:52.
RATING: 81

As Tenzan and Kojima eventually head back up the entrance ramp, Chono is handed a microphone and immediately begins to taunt the retreating IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Chono states that Black New Japan's reign is drawing near as he guarantees Norton will claim the title at Fighting Spirit.

Norton then was offered the microphone from his stable leader as he then speaks...

NORTON: Tenzan! At Fighting Spirit, I will break you - just as I broke your friend Kojima right here in the center of the ring. What we made you witness tonight is what all of the world will witness in one month... the loss of your IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the rise of Black New Japan.

Norton then throws down the microphone as the two stablemates head to the back.

RATING: 67

SHOW RATING: 77

TV RATING: 5.41 (4,064,000 viewers)

Prediction Results

DREAM~!: 3/6

DGenerationMC: 3/6

The Wrestling Observer

REPORT: CMLL Talent Intoxicated at New Year's Dash!!, New Talent Incoming

- Reportedly, CMLL luchador Lizmark Jr. was under both the influence of alcohol and some sort of drug during his six-man tag team match to kick off New Japan Pro-Wrestling's New Year's Dash!! event last night. It should be noted that Lizmark Jr's substance abuse issues were known to New Japan officials prior to last night's event, given that he's signed to a non-exclusive contract, a company-ordered rehab stint is not a solution for him. Reportedly, CMLL's small group of talent in the New Japan ranks were to receive a slight push, but that could be in jeopardy with this incident. Lizmark Jr. is supposedly down to his last strike with the company, and with him responding well to New Japan's punishment for his workplace intoxication, hopefully he can turn it around.

- At least two names have been signed to deals with New Japan with Japanese workers Kota Ibushi and Akira Tozawa so far being linked to debut at the upcoming The New Beginning in Nagoya tour. Both wrestlers are expected to compete in the company's U-30 Challenge next month.

Rogue · February 4, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... <img alt="kYaBkMX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kYaBkMX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> IN NAGOYA (NIGHT #1) To be held from the Nagoya International Exhibition Hall in Nagoya (Chubu) and be shown live on TV Asahi.</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> <div style="text-align:center;">Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki 30-minute time limit <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Satoshi Kojima vs. Scott Norton 30-minute time limit <img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Negro Casas and Felino 15-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="0g4hYea.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0g4hYea.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JO6MfCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JO6MfCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Koji Kanemoto and Dick Togo vs. Wataru Inoue and Katsushi Takemura 15-minute time limit <img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'U-30 Challenge Showcase' James Gibson, Akira Tozawa and Hirooki Goto vs. Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii and Ryusuke Taguchi 15-minute time limit <img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'U-30 Challenge Showcase' Blue Wolf and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Toru Yano and Harry Smith 15-minute time limiit <img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Quick Picks for 'The New Beginning in Nagoya Night #1' Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki Satoshi Kojima vs. Scott Norton Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL Koji Kanemoto and Dick Togo vs. Wataru Inoue and Katsushi Takemura James Gibson, Akira Tozawa and Hirooki Goto vs. Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii and Ryusuke Taguchi Blue Wolf and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Toru Yano and Harry Smith TIEBREAKER: What will be match of the night? --- Thinking of varying the recaps a bit for each different event. Big shows /major tourneys with the long recaps, tours with shorter ones, tourney prelims shorter, and maybe just a results rundown of 'Road to' events. Thoughts?

DGenerationMC · February 5, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki

Satoshi Kojima vs. Scott Norton

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

Koji Kanemoto and Dick Togo vs. Wataru Inoue and Katsushi Takemura

James Gibson, Akira Tozawa and Hirooki Goto vs. Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii and Ryusuke Taguchi

Blue Wolf and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Toru Yano and Harry Smith

TIEBREAKER: What will be match of the night? Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki

I'm all for keeping long recaps for the bigger shows.

Rogue · February 8, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... <img alt="kYaBkMX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kYaBkMX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in NAGOYA (Night #1) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 4,000 people at Nagoya International Exhibition Hall in Nagoya (Chubu) and shown LIVE on TV Asahi.</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'U-30 Challenge Showcase' Blue Wolf and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Toru Yano and Harry Smith 15-minute time limiit <img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Each member of each team each had the opportunity to put on a brief display of their offense in the night's opening bout. In a back and forth affair that attempted to get the crowd involved, Blue Wolf finished off Harry Smith with a Mongol Hammer just before the eight-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Blue Wolf and Naofumi Yamamoto by pinfall in 7:50. RATING: 29</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'U-30 Challenge Showcase' James Gibson, Akira Tozawa and Hirooki Goto vs. Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii and Ryusuke Taguchi 15-minute time limit <img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Similar to the opening bout, this match served as a showcase for each individual in the match. Goto appeared to be in control throughout the entire match, but his team would come up with a losing effort as Tomohiro Ishii dropped James Gibson with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tomohiro Ishii, Kota Ibushi and Ryusuki Taguchi by pifnall in 11:27. RATING: 53</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Koji Kanemoto and Dick Togo vs. Wataru Inoue and Katsushi Takemura 15-minute time limit <img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A match with potential implications regarding a future shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles, the match started off even until Kanemoto and Togo took control just after the two-minute mark. From there, the match was Kanemoto and Togo's to lose as they remained in control. Kanemoto ultimately forced Takemura to submit with an Ankle Hold to pick up the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Koji Kanemoto and Dick Togo by submission in 11:58. RATING: 65</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A hype video plays for The New Beginning in Nagoya's lone title match of the two-date show, Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Negro Casas and Felino 15-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="0g4hYea.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0g4hYea.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JO6MfCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JO6MfCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> An even contest throughout the duration of the match, Samurai and Kashin would keep Team CMLL on their heels through a majority of the day, but Casas would always manage to find a way back into the match with some heel-ish tactics. With Casas and Kashin having taken each other out on the outside, El Samurai eventually finished the match off by making Felino tap out to a Samurai Clutch. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: El Samurai and Kendo Kashin by submission in 12:13. RATING: 50</div> After Samurai and Kashin had their hands raised in victory, they celebrated a bit in front of the 4,000 in attendance in Nagoya. As each stood on the second rope of two turnbuckles with their arms raised in victory, a blur of motion was caught by the cameras as someone slid into the ring... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> It's Brock Lesnar! The American immediately grabs Kashin from behind and sends him flying with a german suplex off the second rope. El Samurai hears the commotion from behind as he hops down and charges at the intruder, who hoists him up and drops him with a thunderous F-5. Lesnar surveys the carnage he has inflicted in the middle of the ring and smirks before heading to the back. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 71</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. Scott Norton 30-minute time limit <img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A hard-hitting affair from the opening bell, Kojima seemed hellbent on exacting revenge over his tag loss to Norton at New Year's Dash as he maintained control over the American in the early portion of the match. Norton would manage to get his share of offense in before Kojima would wrangle it back with stiff strike after stiff strike. A ducked Lariat attempt by Kojima opened him up to be dropped with a surprise Lariat of Norton's. Once Norton picked Kojima back up to his feet, he was able to drop him to the mat with a big Powerbomb to ultimately pick up the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Scott Norton by pinfall in 13:36 RATING: 65</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> <div style="text-align:center;">Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki 30-minute time limit <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Suzuki went on the offense from the get-go, smacking around the young Tanahashi and wearing him down on the ground. Attempts by Tanahashi to get back to his feet were thwarted to Suzuki, who would continuously throw him back down to the mat. Tanahashi eventually did work his way back to his feet and would drop Suzuki with an enzuigiri, then trying to work in some holds of his own on the veteran. Suzuki once more would wrestle control back into his favor and would start to work on the charismatic youngster's legs. Tanahashi would keep managing to slip away from Suzuki and would eventually drop him with a dropkick that kept both competitors down for awhile. Back to an even contest through the late stages, of the match, Tanahashi would slip out of a Gotch Piledriver attempt by Suzuki, sweep his legs and lock in a Texas Cloverleaf. Once he worked in the hold long enough, Tanahashi went up top for a High Fly Flow and managed to get it to connect. 1...2...3, Tanahashi picks up a hard-fought victory. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroshi Tanahashi by pinfall in 23:58. RATING: 75</div> After the match, Tanahashi took the opportunity to speak to the 4,000 fans in attendance, firstly thanking them for taking the time to come out to the night's show. He promises that both he'll will defend the IWGP Tag Team Championships at Fighting Spirit with Shinsuke Nakamura and come out the victor over both Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata. He also notes that as he'll be defending his Tag Team belt at Fighting Spirit, he unfortunately won't be competing in the next month's U-30 Challenge. He does, however, wish all 12 competitors entered the best of luck and points out that the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling indeed looks bright. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 86</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 70 TV RATING: 5.43 (4,074,510 viewers)</div> DGenerationMC: 4/6

DGenerationMC · February 9, 2018

BROCK!

Hope he has a longer NJPW in your diary than he did in real life.

Rogue · February 9, 2018

proudly presents...

in NAGOYA (Night #2)

To be held in the NGK Sports Plaza in Nagoya (Chubu) and be shown LIVE on TV Asahi

'Non-Title'
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

VS

'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles'
Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV

VS

Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai

VS

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura

VS

Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda

VS

Quick Picks for The New Beginning in Nagoya (Night #2)

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura

Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda

Bonus: What will be match of the night?

BROCK!

Hope he has a longer NJPW in your diary than he did in real life.

He better.

Dude's star quality's great and he's damn solid in the ring. Just need him to not wreck the mood in the locker room and we'll be great.

Jon The GOAT · February 9, 2018

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura

Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda

Bonus: What will be match of the night?: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Does Brock have a negative personality? He should be awesome here. Not familiar with mid-2000s NJPW so mostly guesses.

DGenerationMC · February 9, 2018

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura

Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda

Bonus: What will be match of the night? Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

DREAM · February 9, 2018

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura

Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda

Bonus: What will be match of the night?Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka

Rogue · February 10, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... <img alt="kYaBkMX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kYaBkMX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in NAGOYA (Night #2) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 10,000 people in the NGK Sports Plaza in Nagoya (Chubu) and shown LIVE on TV Asahi</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Prior to the opening match gets underway, the fans in attendance and those watching on television are presented a video package of the night's two co-main events - Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka and Gedo and Jado vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 73</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda 15-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8YZiVih.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8YZiVih.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Fujinami and Nagata were the epitome of efficiency throughout their matchup, quickly exchanging tags to keep each other fresh against Iizuka and Yasuda. Iizuka would manage to power through some of Fujinami and Nagata's attacks though to the point where he almost finished Nagata off with a Blizzard Suplex. Iizuka's strength continued against Fujinami, getting to the point where he almost again finished off his opponent with a Blizzard... but Fujinami would counter with a Dragon Sleeper and then a Dragon Suplex to deliver the win for the #1 contenders for the IWGP Tag Team titles. <div style="text-align:center;"> WINNERS: Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata by pinfall in 11:45 RATING: 67</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura 15-minute time limit <img alt="R7NEtnS.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/R7NEtnS.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6fiip9C.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6fiip9C.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The young lions Anzawa and Nagao would put in a valiant effort against the established veterans in the opposite corner, but they faced an uphill battle throughout the duration of the match. Nakanishi would eventually finish the match off by delivering a Hercules Cutter to Nagao just after the eight-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Manabu Nakanishi and Osamu Nishimura by pinfall in 8:19 RATING: 52</div> After the match, Nakanishi and Nishimura both vacate the ring, leaving the young lions in the ring to stumble to their feet. Once both Anzawa and Nagao get back to their feet, suddenly they're ambushed from behind... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> ...by Brock Lesnar. Lesnar floors Nagao with a stiff clothesline to the back of the head as he then drops Anzawa with a front-facing lariat. Wasting no time, Lesnar picks up the heavier Nagao and drops him with an F-5. Surveying the in-ring carnage as he did at The New Beginning in Nagoya's opening, Lesnar then picks up Anzawa and sends him crashing to the mat with an F-5 as well. Roaring a primal scream towards the camera, Lesnar then heads to the back as the ringside medical staff attend to the young lions. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 46</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe vs. Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto and Mitsuya Nagai 15-minute time limit <img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The match would only stand at even ground for the opening minute or so until the powerhouse trio of Fujita, Sasaki and Makabe began to take over from there. Saito would attempt to lead his team back towards going on the advantage but the opposing team of the three brutes would efficiently strike down their efforts. Saito's valiant efforts would ultimately lead to this downfall as the referee would call for the bell following a Sleeper Hold locked in onto Saito by Fujita. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Kazuyuki Fujita, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinya Makabe by submission in 10:37 RATING: 58</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles' Gedo and Jado © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask IV 30-minute time limit <img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A physical confrontation from the ringing of the opening bell, Liger and Tiger popped the crowd earlier with synchronized dives outside to Gedo and Jado connecting, leaving all four competitors down on the outside. The masked team would strike on offense early on, with Liger inflicting most of the damage on Jado. A slip out of a reverse suplex attempt would reverse the champions' fortunes, however, as Jado would shove down the legend Liger to get the tag to Gedo. Once Gedo hit the ring, he immediately went on the attack to wear down Liger and eventually Tiger Mask once he received the tag. A later attempt at a Gedo Clutch on Liger would be broken up by Tiger Mask in an impressive moment as the masked challenger would drop Gedo mid-submission with a dropkick from the side from the top rope. Jado's attempts to chase Tiger Mask from the ring were met with a tiger suplex on the outside. The distraction of the non-legal partners provided Liger with an opportunity to finish the match off with a Liger Bomb! Cover attempt, 1...2...Gedo just got his shoulder up! A second attempt at a Liger Bomb was met with punches by Gedo who then dropped Liger with a Complete Shot! Pin attempt by Gedo! 1...2...now Liger just hits shoulder up! As Jado and Tiger Mask IV found themselves as the legal men, the two would go back and forth with high-paced strikes and submission combos until Jado would connect with Tiger Mask IV's jaw with a vicious Superkick. An attempt by Liger to interfere would have the legend be met with a Superkick himself. A Backdrop Suplex later, Jado completed a successful title defense for both he and Gedo. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Gedo and Jado by pinfall in 18:45 Gedo and Jado retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. (Defense #2) RATING: 73</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"> 'Non-Title' Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Tanaka 30-minute time limit <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A match between two competitors who perhaps have been a bit overconfident as of late, neither man can get a decent control of the other and the match stays neutral for awhile with several staredowns played to the applause of the 10,000 in attendance. Tanaka is the first to gain control though as he rears down Nakamura by stepping on the back of his knee while keeping a headlock in place. After having his neck worn down, Nakamura goes on the attack with a russian legsweep and then worked on keeping Tanaka grounded. Tanaka'd fight his way back to his feet and drop Nakamura with a russian legsweep himself before heading up top for a high-risk move. Nakamura would rush Tanaka, however, dropkicking his leg out from under him and sending Tanaka crashing to the outside. Nakamura would grab control on the outside and would roll the IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion into the ring, taking time to taunt him before heading in himself. The pause would allow Tanaka an opportunity to strike back with a running dropkick to send Nakamura back down to the outside. A dive to the outside takes Nakamura out yet again as the fight once more spilled to the outside. Once the action returned to the ring, a quick flurry of kicks would down Nakamura to one knee as Tanaka would hit a seated dropkick to drop the U-30 Openweight champ. After attempting to break Nakamura's ankle with an ankle lock, Tanaka would go up top and attempt a Fireball Splash, but Nakamura would raise a knee up and connect with the diving Tanaka's jaw! A bit of a taunting offense against the Junior Heavyweight champion as Nakamura then locks in a Cross Armbar in the hopes to get Tanaka to submit. The valiant Tanaka eventually got to the ropes and superkicked an approaching Nakamura back down to the mat. Tanaka was slow to get up as he then went up to the top rope and launched off for a splash, but Nakamura quickly rose, kicked him as he descended and then locked in another Cross Armbar! Tanaka's got nowhere to go! A frantic scramble to get to the ropes was futile for the Junior Heavyweight champion as he was left tapping out in the center of the ring. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by submission in 28:38 RATING: 73</div> Following the match, Tanaka eventually retreated with his Junior Heavyweight title slung over his left shoulder while clutching his right arm. Nakamura retrieved both his U-30 Openweight and Tag Team belts and a microphone. Nakamura again proclaims that he's the future of the company and that his sights are ultimately set on reclaiming the IWGP Heavyweight Title once again. He says that not only will he successfully defend the IWGP Tag Team Titles at Fighting Spirit with Hiroshi Tanahashi, but he'll successfully defend his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship against whoever wins next month's U-30 Challenge. Nakamura also proclaims that he will be the winner of the inaugural New Japan Cup in April before dropping the microphone and heading to the back. Has his recent success gone completely to the 24-year-old's head? <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 74</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 72 TV RATING: 5.73 (4,303,310 viewers)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Results for The New Beginning in Nagoya (Night #2) Jon The GOAT: 4/5 DGenerationMC: 5/5 DREAM~!: 4/5 MotN: You were all right. Tie. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jon The GOAT" data-cite="Jon The GOAT" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Does Brock have a negative personality? He should be awesome here. Not familiar with mid-2000s NJPW so mostly guesses.</div></blockquote> He does, however, there are certainly worse personalities backstage (Suzuki, Tanaka, Negro Casas.) There are definitely more positive influences backstage, but I'm hoping the addition of another negative doesn't start throwing it out of whack.

Rogue · February 10, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">Wrestling News from January</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">#1. World Wrestling Entertainment <img alt="0Dq1y8w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0Dq1y8w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: WWE Raw (Wk 2) Rating: 88 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair (WWE Raw, Wk 2) Rating: 99 - Shawn Michaels won the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Title (Wk 1) - Nunzio def. Funaki to win the WWE Cruiserweight Title (Wk 4) - Eddie Guerrero won the Royal Rumble (Wk 4) NEWS: As WWE expands its coverage markets for all four of its television shows (RAW, Smackdown, Velocity and Heat), it has moved Smackdown to a later time slot for its USA and UK coverage (UPN, Sky Sports.) </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">2. Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre <img alt="nkImeij.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nkImeij.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: CMLL Super Viernes (Weekly PPV) (Wk 4) Rating: 73 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Atlantis def. Dr. Wagner Jr (CMLL Todos Fuera de Asalto) Rating: 78 - Dr. X def. Rocky Romero to win the CMLL World Lightweight Title (Wk 3) - Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero def. Atlantis and Blue Panther to win the CMLL World Tag Team Titles (Wk 2) (2nd reign) - El Satanico, Rey Bucanero and Vampiro def. Tarzan Boy, El Terrible and Halloween to win the CMLL World Trios Titles (Wk 3) NEWS: - CMLL has signed Chavo Guerrero Sr, Hugo Savinovich and Carlos Colon to written contracts. - The company has offered a written deal to New Japan star Jushin Thunder Liger, igniting a bidding war for the legendary masked wrestler.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">3. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling <img alt="PRKr54s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PRKr54s.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: Final Resolution Rating: 64 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Jeff Jarrett and Raven def. AJ Styles and The Amazing Red (TNA Impact!, Wk 1) Rating: 74 - Shark Boy def. Petey Williams to win the TNA X-Division Title (Wk 1) - Spanky def. Shark Boy to win the TNA X-Division Title (Wk 3) NEWS: - Expanding coverage for B-show Xplosion and have taken lower time slots for its TV coverage of Impact!</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">4. New Japan Pro-Wrestling <img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: Toukan Festival: Wrestling World 2005 Rating: 79 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Hiroyoshi Tenzan def. Masahiro Chono and Riki Choshu (Toukan Festival: Wrestling World) Rating: 83 - Shinsuke Nakamura def. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP U-30 Openweight Title (Toukan Festival: Wrestling World) NEWS: - After a hot start to the year with its annual Tokyo Dome show, NJPW officials are in shock as the company's prestige has dropped it to 'Cult' size. - New Japan officials are pondering the idea of an 'International NJPW Showcase' with the company doing a small tour overseas. This is likely to be in the United States, where New Japan has a very small and growing fanbase. The main hiccup for the plan? Figuring out logistics that can have them come out of the tour with a profit. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">5. Pro-Wrestling NOAH <img alt="diUGvQq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/diUGvQq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: NOAH on NTV (TV Show) (Wk 3) Rating: 81 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Mitsuhara Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa def. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Yuji Nagata (Wk 3) Rating: 86 - Hiroshi Tanahashi won the newly-created NOAH International Title NEWS: - Stan Hansen has signed a written deal with NOAH to serve as a road agent. Milano Collection AT has signed a written deal as well and will also serve as a road agent. The company has also picked up Roland Alexander on a written deal to serve as a color commentator. - NOAH has released wrestler Masashi Aoyagi. - Has just inked a deal with TV Asahi to show their tour highlights.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">6. All Japan Pro-Wrestling <img alt="GIDVW0F.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GIDVW0F.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: AJPW Lashing Out (Tour) (Wk 2) Rating: 77 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Satoshi Kojima and Toshiaki Kawada def. Keiji Mutoh and Kaz Hayashi (All-Japan B-Banquet, Wk 3) Rating: 82 - Kaz Hayashi and Ryuji Hijikuta won the vacant AJPW Unified World Tag Team Titles (Wk 1) - The team of Masanobu Fuchi and Gran Hamada won the 2005 Real World Tag League tournament. NEWS: - All Japan has signed several workers to written deals, including Entire Ichiro, Kyohei Wada, Hideki Kobayashi, 296, Akira Fukuzawa, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Wally Yamaguchi, Billy K and Naoya Ogawa in non-wrestling roles. The company also snatched up Invader #1 and CIMA to written in-ring deals</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">7. Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion <img alt="lVntUes.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lVntUes.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: AAA Ninguna Ley U Orden (PPV) (Wk 3) Rating: 77 MATCH OF THE MONTH: La Parka, L.A. Park and Vampiro def. Hector Garza, Pentagon and Ultimo Guerrero (AAA Ninguna Ley U Orden) (Wk 3) Rating: 82 NEWS: - Several pay-per-appearance deals were completed by AAA, with the company signing Vampiro, Fernando Tonos, L.A. Park, Miss Janeth, Hector Garza, Shocker, Ultimo Guerrero, Nicho el Millionairio, Chicky Starr, El Jefe and El Hijo del Santo to such deals.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">8. Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE <img alt="PVYyvBE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PVYyvBE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: ZERO-ONE Radioactive Tour (Wk 1) Rating: 70 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Takao Omori, Juventud Guerrera and Hirotaka Yokoi def. Masato Tanaka, Sylvester Terkay and Steve Corino (ZERO-ONE Radioactive Tour) (Wk 1) Rating: 74 - Shinjiro Otani won the vacant NWA United National Heavyweight title. (Wk 1) - Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Super Crazy won the vacant NWA Intercontinental Tag Team titles. (Wk 2) - Minoru Fujita and Tengu Kaiser won the vacant NWA International Lightweight Tag Team titles. (Wk 1) NEWS: - Changes in management for ZERO-ONE with Koichiro Kimura becoming CEO and Yoji Anjoh becoming head booker. - Several releases by the company including Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Simon Diamond, Osamu Namiguchi, Sonjay Dutt, Shinsuke Z Yamagasa, Yoshihito Sasaki, Takashi Sasaki, Naoya Ogawa and Ryouji Sai. - The company has signed the announcer Mika to a PPA deal. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">9. Ring of Honor <img alt="w3dZbAM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w3dZbAM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: ROH The Battle Lines are Drawn (Wk 2) Rating: 59 MATCH OF THE MONTH: Steve Corino, Bryan Danielson and Dan Maff def. Matt Stryker, B-Boy and Colt Cabana (ROH The Battle Lines are Drawn) Rating: 62 - Samoa Joe def. Austin Aries for the ROH World Heavyweight Title (Wk 2) - The ROH Tag Team Titles held by Rocky Romero and Ricky Reyes have been vacated. NEWS: - Expected to appear in ROH in the coming weeks is new signing Kenny King. - The company, however, has released Daizee Haze and Julius Smokes. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">10. Dragon Gate <img alt="CC7tg71.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CC7tg71.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> SHOW OF THE MONTH: Dragon Gate Showtime Tour (Wk 4) Rating: 64 MATCH OF THE MONTH: BxB Hulk def. Ryo Saito and Susumu Yokosuka (Dragon Gate Showtime Tour) (Wk 3) Rating: 82 - Magnum Tokyo won the vacant DG Open the Brave Gate Title. (Wk 1) - Yuji Hino and Magnitude Kishiwada won the vacant DG Open the Twin Gate Titles. (Wk 1) - Susumu Yokosaka, BxB Hulk and Dragon Kid won the DG Open the Triangle Gate Titles. (Wk 1) - DG Open the Triangle Gate Titles were then vacated on Sunday, Wk 4. NEWS: - Taking over the CEO and head booker positions for Dragon Gate were The Great Sasuke. - One of Sasuke's first moves for DG was joining the National Wrestling Alliance. - Kentaro Hirakawa, Jonny Fairplay and Shigeyo Kawasaki all signed PPA deals with Dragon Gate. - Leaving Dragon Gate due to signing deals with other companies were CIMA and Milano Collection AT. </div></blockquote> New Japan Pro-Wrestling's February Schedule #1. U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #1 - Wednesday, Wk 2 #2. U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #2 - Sunday, Wk 2 #3. U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #3 - Tuesday, Wk 3 #4. U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #4 - Saturday, Wk 3 #5. U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #5 - Tuesday, Wk 4 #6. Road to Fighting Spirit - Wednesday, Wk 4 #7. Fighting Spirit - Sunday, Wk 4 (PPV) RED = PPV, full match recaps. Predictions welcome. ORANGE = Tourney prelims, partial match recaps. Predictions welcome. BLACK = Results-only. No preview post.

Rogue · February 12, 2018

... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The U-30 Challenge</div> New Japan Pro-Wrestling's first tournament of the year is a new one to the company, the U-30 Challenge. Designed to give the youth of the promotion an opportunity to shine and make themselves known to the NJPW audience, the U-30 challenge features 12 competitors spread across two blocks of six competing in a round-robin style format. Each match will also feature a 20-minute time limit. A total of five non-televised U-30 Challenge events will be held leading up to the final, which will be held at February's pay-per-view, Fighting Spirit. Apart from pride, a future shot at the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship held by Shinsuke Nakamura is on the line. The date of the future title shot is likely to take place in May on either the yet-to-be-named tour or the yet-to-be-named pay-per-view. <div style="text-align:center;">Block A <img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6fiip9C.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6fiip9C.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Akira Tozawa, 19 (Dragon Gate) In-Ring: Very Strong Performance: Very Strong Physical: Strong Overness: D+ Blue Wolf, 28 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E+ Hiroshi Nagao, 25 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: F+ James Gibson, 28 In-Ring: Strong Performance: Very Strong Physical: Very Strong Overness: E+ Tomohiro Ishii, 29 In-Ring: Average Performance: Strong Physical: Strong Overness: D+ Toru Yano, 26 In-Ring: Weak Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E <div style="text-align:center;">Block B <img alt="R7NEtnS.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/R7NEtnS.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Akiya Anzawa, 24 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E+ Harry Smith, 18 (STAMPEDE) In-Ring: Average Performance: Strong Physical: Average Overness: F+ Hirooki Goto, 25 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E Kota Ibushi, 22 (DDT) In-Ring: Strong Performance: Strong Physical: Strong Overness: D Naofumi Yamamoto, 27 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E- Ryusuke Taguchi, 25 In-Ring: Average Performance: Average Physical: Average Overness: E+</div></blockquote> Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #1 Akira Tozawa vs. Blue Wolf - Block A Toru Yano vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A Hiroshi Nagao vs. James Gibson - Block A Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B Akiya Anzawa vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B Hirooki Goto vs. Harry Smith - Block B Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #2 Hiroshi Nagao vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A James Gibson vs. Blue Wolf - Block A Toru Yano vs. Akira Tozawa - Block A Kota Ibushi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B Akiya Anzawa vs. Harry Smith - Block B Hirooki Goto vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Jon The GOAT · February 12, 2018

Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #1

Akira Tozawa vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Toru Yano vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A

Hiroshi Nagao vs. James Gibson - Block A

Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Akiya Anzawa vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B

Hirooki Goto vs. Harry Smith - Block B

Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #2

Hiroshi Nagao vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A

James Gibson vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Toru Yano vs. Akira Tozawa - Block A

Kota Ibushi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B

Akiya Anzawa vs. Harry Smith - Block B

Hirooki Goto vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Real exciting tournament. I think you'll give us an early teaser with Goto vs. Ishii. I know Gibson is better and I'd love to cheer on Tozawa but Ishii is the oldest and I prefer the image of Ishii vs. Nakamura too.

Predictions are more like vs. dislike instead of who makes more sense to win.

DGenerationMC · February 12, 2018

Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #1

Akira Tozawa vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Toru Yano vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A

Hiroshi Nagao vs. James Gibson - Block A

Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Akiya Anzawa vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B

Hirooki Goto vs. Harry Smith - Block B

Quick Picks for U-30 Challenge Prelims Night #2

Hiroshi Nagao vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A

James Gibson vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Toru Yano vs. Akira Tozawa - Block A

Kota Ibushi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi - Block B

Akiya Anzawa vs. Harry Smith - Block B

Hirooki Goto vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Rogue · February 14, 2018

proudly presents...

U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #1)

Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 5,000 at the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium in Yokohama (Kanto)

'Block A'
Hiroshi Nagao vs. James Gibson
20-minute time limit

VS

The American dominated from the get go. Despite Nagao putting up a valiant defense throughout the middle portions of the match, Gibson was ultimately able to overpower him and down him with a DDT then lock in the Trailer Hitch for the submission.

WINNER: James Gibson by submission in 8:27.
RATING: 44

'Block B'
Hirooki Goto vs. Harry Smith
20-minute time limit

VS

Experience and age paid off for Goto as he controlled the pace of the match from the ringing of the opening bell. Smith was able to muster some counterattacks given his size advantage over Goto, but the NJPW Dojo graduate was able to finish Smith off with a Go To Heaven prior to the nine-minute mark.

WINNER: Hirooki Goto by pinfall in 8:57.
RATING: 33

The live feed's video screens in the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium play highlights of the battle between Shinsuke Nakamura and Minoru Tanaka at The New Beginning of Nagoya's closing night. The conclusion of the video again reminds those in attendance that the winner of the U-30 Challenge will go on to face Nakamura for the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship following New Japan's March hiatus.

RATING: 69

'Block B'
Akiya Anzawa vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
20-minute time limit

VS

A high-flying affair, both competitors went back and forth with some spectacular offensive moves. It was Taguchi that would soon take control of the match, hitting a spectacular Missile Dropkick off the top rope that would down Anzawa for the three-count.

WINNER: Ryusuke Taguchi by pinfall in 8:29.
RATING: 31

'Block A'
Toru Yano vs. Tomohiro Ishii
20-minute time limit

VS

Yano would escape out of Ishii's early offense with several comedic-based moves, leading to some frustration on Ishii's part. Ishii would side-step his frustrations, however, as he'd then refocus and start laying into the younger Yano. Using a couple of headbutts to soften Yano up, Ishii then hoisted up his opponent to drop him with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster for the win.

WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 7:49.
RATING: 49

A hype video plays for Fighting Spirit's main event - Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Scott Norton for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

RATING: 83

'Block B'
Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto
20-minute time limit

VS

Yamamoto seized control of the match early on and progressively wore down the DDT regular. Ibushi would have his moments of fighting back, but Yamamoto would provide effective counters for each of his efforts. Midway through the match, a Pelé kick would open Yamamoto up for some offense as Ibushi then went on the attack.

Using several effective kicks towards the legs, Ibushi would down his opponent with an enzuigiri, follow up with a running 450 splash and then head to the top rope. One Corkscrew 630 Senton later and Ibushi scored his first two points of the competition.

WINNER: Kota Ibushi by pinfall in 13:26.
RATING: 42

'Block A'Akira Tozawa vs. Blue Wolf
20-minute time limit

VS

An impressive sequence to get the match under way with Tozawa successfully negotiating his way out of some heavy-handed attempts at offense by the Mongolian brute. The 19-year-old could only evade his opponent so much, however, as a lariat would bring the smaller competitor crumbling to the mat.

Blue Wolf would keep his sights set on Tozawa as he'd keep him grounded with various submissions, but Tozawa would eventually wind up out on the floor. Once Wolf went to pursue, Tozawa slid back in and quickly rebounded off the opposite ropes to hit Wolf with a flying forearm through the ropes to the outside.

From there, it was Tozawa's to lose. An attempt at a Shining Wizard was dodged by Wolf, however, as he then grabbed Tozawa for an inverted exploder suplex. Once he launched Tozawa for the move, his opponent landed on his feet, then charging and connecting with a Shining Wizard to the back of the head. Cover, win and two points to Tozawa.

WINNER: Akira Tozawa by pinfall in 13:11.
RATING: 51

Following the match, Tozawa is handed a microphone and immediately states that he's coming for Shinsuke Nakamura's IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. He says that although he's not the biggest wrestler in this tournament and he's definitely not the oldest, what he has that the others don't is heart and the fighting will of a champion.

RATING: 61

SHOW RATING: 55

Block A Standings after Night 1 of 5 [W-L-D]

Akira Tozawa: 2 - [1-0-0]
Tomohiro Ishii: 2 - [1-0-0]
James Gibson: 2 - [1-0-0]
Blue Wolf: 0 - [0-1-0]
Toru Yano: 0 - [0-1-0]
Hiroshi Nagao: 0 - [0-1-0]

Block B Standings after Night 1 of 5 [W-L-D]

Kota Ibushi: 2 - [1-0-0]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2 - [1-0-0]
Hirooki Goto: 2 - [1-0-0]
Naofumi Yamamoto: 0 - [0-1-0]
Akiya Anzawa: 0 - [0-1-0]
Harry Smith: 0 - [0-1-0]

BREAKING
Jushin Thunder Liger Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Contract with CMLL

The bidding war for star Junior Heavyweight Jushin Thunder Liger has concluded with reports indicating the star will jump to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. Liger is currently being promoted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's upcoming pay-per-view - Fighting Spirit - where he is set to challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title currently held by Minoru Tanaka.

The bout is still scheduled to take place at Fighting Spirit as New Japan is supposedly in the works of creating an alliance with CMLL and an unknown third company. With that, CMLL officials currently show that Liger's booked schedule will allow for him to wrestle against Tanaka in two weeks.

The signing comes as a major blow for New Japan as Liger's role both in the ring and in the locker room was of great importance. Considered a locker room leader, one has to wonder who will fill the void left behind by the 40-year-old. Liger was also considered a focal point of New Japan's Junior Heavyweight division, having held the company's Junior Heavyweight title a record 11 times.

Rogue · February 14, 2018

proudly presents...

U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #2)

Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,200 fans in the Kochi Gymnasium in Kochi (Shikoku)

'Block A'
Toru Yano vs. Akira Tozawa
20-minute time limit

VS

Yano didn't stand a chance against the agile Tozawa as the younger competitor would light up Yano with a flurry of strikes to soften him up. After a Tozawa Backdrop Suplex wouldn't do the trick for him, Tozawa went up top for a Diving Headbutt and connected with it, following that up with a pin for another two points.

WINNER: Akira Tozawa by pinfall in 8:35.
RATING: 52

'Block B'
Akiya Anzawa vs. Harry Smith
20-minute time limit

VS

An even matchup between the two young competitors, neither man could get an advantage for the early portions of the match. Eventually, Smith's pure strength would tip the scales towards his favor, as he'd drop Anzawa with a variety of slams before downing Anzawa with a big boot. Locking in a Sharpshooter on Anzawa, Smith would then find himself landing in the tourney's win column with a submission victory.

WINNER: Harry Smith by submission in 8:04.
RATING: 25

A taped promo then airs from Koji Kanemoto following Smith's victory. In it, Kanemoto pokes fun at Jushin Thunder Liger's move to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre and says that he himself should be the one to face Minoru Tanaka for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title at Fighting Spirit. If Liger wanted to cut and run to Mexico instead of fighting for the most prestigious Junior Heavyweight championship all of Japan has to offer, he never should've fought at Wrestling World for the #1 contendership. Kanemoto states that he's not scared of Tanaka or Liger for that matter, and claims that he'll be the one to face Fighting Spirit's winner at the New Japan Cup Final.

RATING: 66

'Block A'
James Gibson vs. Blue Wolf
20-minute time limit

VS

Gibson was in control of the early stages of the match, but an overconfident early attempt at a Trailer Hitch was reversed by Blue Wolf, who in turn put the pressure on Gibson's legs. Once back to their feet, Gibson would dodge a Lariat attempt by the Mongolian and would go for a Thesz Press, but would be spinebustered down into the mat. Once Gibson stirred and rose to his feet, he was floored once again with a Lariat to take his first loss of the tournament.

WINNER: Blue Wolf by pinfall in 9:07.
RATING: 46

'Block B'
Hirooki Goto vs. Naofumi Yamamoto
20-minute time limit

VS

Goto maintained control from the opening of the match, besting Yamamoto whether he was on his feet or on the ground. Goto clearly did his homework prior to the match as every single instance of Yamamoto trying to get some offense going was swiftly countered. Late in the match, several headbutts got Yamamoto off of his balance and a Go To Heaven would finish off the match shortly after that.

WINNER: Hirooki Goto by pinfall in 8:46.
RATING: 35

Highlights of Brock Lesnar's destruction across both nights of The New Beginning in Nagoya are broadcast over the live feed with the arrival of the former WWE Champion being compared to the exploits of famed film monster Godzilla. A question is flashed across the screen with an accompanying voiceover, 'Who can stop the beast?'

It's then revealed that Lesnar's opponent for his New Japan debut at Fighting Spirit will be...

Shinya Makabe.

Makabe cuts a brief promo that Lesnar's a fool if he thinks he's such a dominating force because he can beat up people coming out of hard-fought matches. Makabe says he'll enjoy facing Lesnar at Fighting Spirit because he'll be sure to send the 'American reject' back home with his tail between his legs.

RATING: 72

'Block A'
Hiroshi Nagao vs. Tomohiro Ishii
20-minute time limit

VS

Nagao barely stood a chance in his second matchup of the tournament as Ishii physically dominated him at every opportunity. A Lariat just after the six-minute mark got the job done for Ishii to bring his points total up to four after two matches.

WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 6:39.
RATING: 44

'Block B'
Kota Ibushi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
20-minute time limit

VS

A quick handshake at the beginning of the match led to a back and forth between both competitors which eventually led to Taguchi going on offense on the ground. Ibushi would soon fight his way back to his feet, hitting a cartwheel back elbow following a kick to Taguchi's gut. Ibushi's attempt at a Golden Star Press would be thwarted by Taguchi, however, as the older competitor threw him off the top rope with a belly-to-belly.

Taguchi would continue to wear down Ibushi but would find himself on defense again when Ibushi would hit a Pelé kick and then plant Taguchi with a Shining Wizard. A second attempt at a Golden Star Press missed, allowing Taguchi to hit a seated dropkick, prompting him to head to the top rope. Once Ibushi rose to his feet, he was dropped with a Missile Dropkick as Taguchi then covered for the win.

WINNER: Ryusuke Taguchi by pinfall in 11:34.
RATING: 43

SHOW RATING: 48

Block A Standings after Night 2 of 5 [W-L-D]

Akira Tozawa: 4 - [2-0-0]
Tomohiro Ishii: 4 - [2-0-0]
James Gibson: 2 - [1-1-0]
Blue Wolf: 2 - [1-1-0]
Toru Yano: 0 - [0-2-0]
Hiroshi Nagao: 0 - [0-2-0]

Block B Standings after Night 2 of 5 [W-L-D]

Ryusuke Taguchi: 4 - [2-0-0]
Hirooki Goto: 4 - [2-0-0]
Kota Ibushi: 2 - [1-1-0]
Harry Smith: 2 - [1-1-0]
Naofumi Yamamoto: 0 - [0-2-0]
Akiya Anzawa: 0 - [0-2-0]

DGenerationMC: 6/12

Jon the GOAT: 10/12

Rogue · February 14, 2018

Quick Picks for the U-30 Challenge Night #3

Toru Yano vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Hiroshi Nagao vs. Akira Tozawa - Block A

James Gibson vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Block A

Akiya Anzawa vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Harry Smith - Block B

Kota Ibushi vs. Hirooki Goto - Block B

Quick Picks for the U-30 Challenge Night #4

Hiroshi Nagao vs. Toru Yano - Block A

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Blue Wolf - Block A

Akira Tozawa vs. James Gibson - Block A

Harry Smith vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Akiya Anzawa vs. Kota Ibushi - Block B

Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Hirooki Goto - Block B

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