NJPW 2005: Dark Days are Over?

DGenerationMC · 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

Jon The GOAT · February 14, 2018

Wow. Surprised I did good on the predictions.

Makabe vs. Lesnar is a good pick for his first match. Should be a great brawl.

--

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: This is an iffy one.

Akiya Anzawa vs. Naofumi Yamamoto - Block B

Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Harry Smith - Block B: Not sure about this since Smith is bigger but I'm leaning on Taguchi going far now.

Kota Ibushi vs. Hirooki Goto - Block B: This'll be fun too look back on in 5 years if you have the match again.

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: This probably decides Block B I think.

DREAM · February 14, 2018

Dammit, i've missed the first prediction..

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

Rogue · February 15, 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... U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #3) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,565 people in the Koriyama Gymnasium in Koriyama (Tohoku)</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;">'Block B' Akiya Anzawa vs. Naofumi Yamamoto 20-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" />VS<img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A back-and-forth matchup throughout its entirety, Yamamoto would be close to finishing the match off on multiple occasions but his young lion opponent would manage to fend off his attacks. An attempt at a top-rope high-risk maneuver by Yamamoto would be met with a dropkick by Anzawa as he prepped. As he fell to the mat, Anzawa would charge and hit a rising Yamamoto with a Zero-Sen Kick. Pinfall attempt and the young lion picks up a surprise victory! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Akiya Anzawa by pinfall in 9:01. RATING: 27</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;">'Block A' Toru Yano vs. Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The winless Yano looked up to the challenge of the Mongolian brute Blue Wolf as he was able to get in some, erm, unorthodox offense on him at times. An attempt at a schoolboy was met with a rough stomp from Blue Wolf, who then went on the offense. Lighting Yano up with several heavy-handed punches, Wolf would throw Yano out of the ring and then pummel him some more on the outside. Once the action returned to the ring, Yano would quickly stomp on Wolf's hand and then get in some more strikes before the Mongolian would throw him across the ring. An Exploder Suplex attempt would be escaped by Yano, who shoved the larger man towards the referee. As Blue Wolf stopped himself from plowing into the official, he'd turn around into a quick poke to the eyes and then a Scoop Brainbuster. Yano gets away with an upset. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Toru Yano by pinfall in 9:31. RATING: 40</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;">'Block A' Hiroshi Nagao vs. Akira Tozawa 20-minute time limit <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="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Tozawa's momentum carried over into the third night of the U-30 Challenge as he quickly and efficiently got Nagao off his feet and kept him down. Brief moments of counter-attack attempts by the young lion were futile as, per usual, Tozawa would have an effective way to dodge or block said attempt. Quick victory for the Dragon Gate talent as he would put Nagao down with a Shining Wizard. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Akira Tozawa by pinfall in 7:39. RATING: 48</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="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A taped promo from Minoru Suzuki airs with Suzuki getting straight to the point: If you are to be the best at any given thing, you have to beat those that already are the best. With that, Suzuki laid out a challenge to Kazuyuki Fujita for Fighting Spirit. Suzuki proclaims that he is the best all-around fighter in all of Japan, and he'll show Fujita just that at Fighting Spirit. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 63</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;">'Block B' Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Harry Smith 20-minute time limit <img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The more experienced Taguchi was able to slip out of his younger and larger opponent's early attacks, but, given that, he still spent the early portions of the match more focused on defense. Once Smith caught Taguchi though, he started laying into him with his heavy-handed offense. An attempt at a Powerslam would be countered by Taguchi rolling forward over Smith's shoulder into a small package that almost handed the match to him. A flustered Smith would chase Taguchi yet again, but the smaller competitor would be able to evade with ease and would stun Smith with an inverted atomic drop. A springboard Missile Dropkick soon followed and would be enough to put down Smith for the three-count. <div style="text-align:center;">PINFALL: Ryusuke Taguchi by pinfall in 11:47. RATING: 28 </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;">'Block B' Kota Ibushi vs. Hirooki Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Plenty of athleticism to go around in this bout as each man would have an effective counter for their opponent's offense throughout. It was Goto that pounced first as he made sure to keep Ibushi grounded, neutralizing his opponent's high-flying arsenal. He couldn't keep him down forever though as Ibushi would escape out of a submission attempt and dropkick Goto back down to the mat. From there, Ibushi started wailing on Goto and would soften his opponent up enough to drop him with a sit-out running powerbomb and then finish him off with a Golden Star Press. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kota Ibushi by pinfall in 12:08. RATING: 38</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;">'Block A' James Gibson vs. Tomohiro Ishii 20-minute time limit <img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Ishii's attempts to keep pace with Tozawa in the Block A standings hit an early hiccup as he wasn't quite able to get a hold on Gibson. Gibson would eventually start to wear down the larger Ishii, but a single leg sweep by Ishii provided him with enough of an advantage to go on offense. Both using their wrestling skills to the best of their abilities, Gibson prevailed again on the ground and was able to lock in an early Trailer Hitch that was escaped via rope break. Gibson immediately went back on the attack, softening Ishii's legs up with several kicks, an attempt at a wrestling takedown fell flat however as Ishii planted the American with a single-arm DDT and then went on the attack. From there, it was Ishii's turn to methodically pick apart his opponent. Several headbutts in the corner dazed Gibson enough for Ishii to hoist him up for a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster, but Gibson would manage to counter by bringing Ishii's head back down for a DDT instead! The time limit started to factor in as Gibson would go for another DDT, but Ishii would in turn lift him up and dump him over the top rope. The fight continued to the outside as Ishii would utilize the ring post to inflict further damage on Gibson. Once the fight returned to the inside, Ishii again lifted Gibson up for his Brainbuster finish, but a knee to the head while inverted put Gibson back on his feet and into a small package attempt. 1...2...Ishii just got his shoulder up there! Ishii would chase Gibson again as the two competitors traded quick blow after quick blow again, but the continued fighting would prove to be futile as the ring bell rang to signify that 20 minutes had elapsed. A dejected Ishii stomped the mat in the corner as he realized that his tie for the lead in Block A has now disappeared. <div style="text-align:center;">TIME LIMIT DRAW RATING: 38</div> </div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 41</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Block A Standings after Night 3 of 5 [W-L-D] Akira Tozawa: 6 - [3-0-0] Tomohiro Ishii: 5 - [2-0-1] James Gibson: 3 - [1-1-1] Blue Wolf: 2 - [1-2-0] Toru Yano: 2 - [1-2-0] Hiroshi Nagao: 0 - [0-3-0]</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>Block B Standings after Night 3 of 5 [W-L-D] Ryusuke Taguchi: 6 - [3-0-0] Hirooki Goto: 4 - [2-1-0] Kota Ibushi: 4 - [2-1-0] Harry Smith: 2 - [1-2-0] Akiya Anzawa: 2 - [1-2-0] Naofumi Yamamoto: 0 - [0-3-0]</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>DGenerationMC: 1/6 Jon the GOAT: 2/6 DREAM~!: 2/6</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;">BREAKING NEWS CMLL Talent Lizmark Jr. Fired from New Japan Pro-Wrestling</div> In a move that shouldn't come as much of a surprise, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced that Lizmark Jr. has been let go from his contract with the company. The luchador had previously worked while high and drunk at the company's January 5th event, New Year's Dash!!, and reportedly showed up to a recent event high on drugs again. Lizmark Jr. was already on thin ice leading up to his removal from the payroll, and this latest incident was the last straw for management.</div></blockquote>

Rogue · February 16, 2018

proudly presents...

U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #4)

Held live in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,700 fans in the Hiroshima Sports Center in Hiroshima (Chugoku)

'Block B'
Harry Smith vs. Naofumi Yamamoto
20-minute time limit

VS

Smith was dominant throughout this matchup as he utilized his size and strength to continuously keep Yamamoto off of his feet. A big boot would be followed up with a Sharpshooter by the Canadian import to finish the match off by submission.

WINNER: Harry Smith by submission in 8:34.
RATING: 12

'Block A'
Hiroshi Nagao vs. Toru Yano
20-minute time limit

VS

A serious wrestling bout to begin the match, the match soon had a few comedic moments courtesy of Yano in its middle stages. Once 'fun time' was over, Yano was able to pick up his second win of the tournament with a Canadian Backbreaker Rack applied to the young lion.

WINNER: Toru Yano by submission in 7:52.
RATING: 11

'Block B'
Akiya Anzawa vs. Kota Ibushi
20-minute time limit

VS

Ibushi was able to maintain control over Anzawa throughout the match, but the young lion was able to show flashes of offense to take it to the youngster from Dramatic Dream Team. A missed attempt at a Zero-Sen Kick by Anzawa opened him up for a reverse exploder suplex by Ibushi. A Golden Star Press later and Ibushi gained his third win in the tourney.

WINNER: Kota Ibushi by pinfall in 8:44.
RATING: 45

A hype video then plays for the IWGP Tag Team champions - Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura. The video hypes the team up prior to their title defense against Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata at Fighting Spirit next week.

RATING: 74

'Block A'
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Blue Wolf
20-minute time limit

VS

A hard-hitting brawl from the get-go, Ishii let himself open to some offense by Blue Wolf, but that didn't faze the 29-year-old as he was able to hold the advantage throughout the match. A ducked lariat attempt from Blue Wolf opened him up for a lariat from Ishii himself. One Sheer-Drop Brainbuster later and Ishii's undefeated record in Block A remained intact through four events.

WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 10:22.
RATING: 55

'Block B'
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Hirooki Goto
20-minute time limit

VS

Taguchi's attempts to keep the lead in the Block B tournament involved a lot of inaction as he worked to evade Goto's attacks either in the ring or by escaping to the outside. He would eventually be caught by Goto though as the two engaged in a back-and-forth battle.

Further attempts by Taguchi to escape from Goto's grasp extended the clock a bit, but Goto would catch one attempt to roll out of the ring with a Go To Heaven. With the following pin, Goto's win made for a three-way tie in Block B going into the final event.

WINNER: Hirooki Goto by pinfall in 11:41.
RATING: 34

'Block A'
Akira Tozawa vs. James Gibson
20-minute time limit

VS

An even matchup all the way up to its conclusion, Gibson came close on several occasions to besting Tozawa early, but the smaller competitor would keep managing find ways to escape Gibson's offense. Tozawa would find himself being caught in a Trailer Hitch and nearly tapped out to it, but an eventual rope break spared him.

As was the case in Gibson's match in Night #3, the time clock started to come into play as the 14-minute mark sailed past. With his opponent in the corner late, Gibson charged for a running splash into the corner but caught only turnbuckle, opening him up for a charging Shining Wizard by the teenager. Three-count later and Tozawa's undefeated streak in the tourney remained intact.

WINNER: Akira Tozawa by pinfall in 15:29.
RATING: 51

As was the case in the opening night of the competition, Tozawa asks for and receives a microphone. The teenager from Dragon Gate warns Shinsuke Nakamura that he's coming for his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship once he gets the win at Fighting Spirit. He acknowledges that next week's match against Tomohiro Ishii will be a 'winner take all' match for the Block A victory, but says that he has the abilities to see that 'never was' off. Tozawa thanks the Hiroshima fans for coming out as the show comes to an end.

RATING: 57

SHOW RATING: 53

[b][u]Block A Standings after Night #4 of 5 [W-L-D][/u][/b]

[b]Akira Tozawa: 8[/b] - [4-0-0]
[b]Tomohiro Ishii: 7[/b] - [3-0-1]
[b]Toru Yano: 4[/b] - [2-2-0]
[b]James Gibson: 3[/b] - [1-2-1]
[b]Blue Wolf: 2[/b] - [1-3-0]
[b]Hiroshi Nagao: 0[/b] - [0-4-0]

[b][u]Block B Standings after Night #4 of 5 [W-L-D][/u][/b]

[b]Ryusuke Taguchi: 6[/b] - [3-1-0]
[b]Hirooki Goto: 6[/b] - [3-1-0]
[b]Kota Ibushi: 6[/b] - [3-1-0]
[b]Harry Smith: 4[/b] - [2-2-0]
[b]Akiya Anzawa: 2[/b] - [1-3-0]
[b]Naofumi Yamamoto: 0[/b] - [0-4-0]

PREDICTIONS

DGenerationMC: 4/6 (5/12)

Jon the GOAT: 5/6 (7/12)

DREAM~!: 4/6 (6/12)

Rogue · February 16, 2018

Quick Picks for the U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #5)

Block A

Hiroshi Nagao (0) vs. Blue Wolf (2)

Toru Yano (4) vs. James Gibson (3)

Akira Tozawa (8) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (7)

Block B

Akiya Anzawa (2) vs. Hirooki Goto (6)

Ryusuke Taguchi (6) vs. Naofumi Yamamoto (0)

Kota Ibushi (6) vs. Harry Smith (4)

Block A Clinch Scenarios
- If Akira Tozawa wins against Tomohiro Ishii or if the match results in a draw,
Tozawa will win the A Block.

- If Tomohiro Ishii wins against Akira Tozawa, Ishii will win the A Block.

Block B Clinch Scenarios

- If one of Kota Ibushi, Hirooki Goto and Ryusuke Taguchi win their respective match with the other two losing their matches, the single winner will win the B Block.

- If Kota Ibushi and Hirooki Goto win their respective matches, Ibushi will win the B Block by virtue of beating Goto in their prelim matchup.

- If Kota Ibushi and Ryusuke Taguchi win their respective matches, Taguchi will the B Block by virtue of beating Ibushi in their prelim matchup.

- If Ryusuke Taguchi and Hirooki Goto win their respective matches, Goto will win the B Block by virtue of beating Taguchi in their prelim matchup.

- If all three competitors win their respective matches, a triple-threat match will be held as the opening match at Fighting Spirit to determine the B Block winner.

Jon The GOAT · February 16, 2018

Block A

Hiroshi Nagao (0) vs. Blue Wolf (2): Consolation win?

Toru Yano (4) vs. James Gibson (3): Poor Gibson underperformed. I'm not sure how long you'll keep Gibson for so going for probably a midcard mainstay in the next decade, Yano.

Akira Tozawa (8) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (7): If Tozawa is just a loan then I think having him face Nakamura would make for a fresher match-up and allows you to save a lot of match-ups for later on. I can see why you wouldn't want someone from another company to win though.

Block B

Akiya Anzawa (2) vs. Hirooki Goto (6)

Ryusuke Taguchi (6) vs. Naofumi Yamamoto (0)

Kota Ibushi (6) vs. Harry Smith (4)

More likely, Ishii will beat Tozawa, be the fresh man, and beat the winner of the triple threat; Goto I'm guessing.

DGenerationMC · February 17, 2018

Block A

Hiroshi Nagao (0) vs. Blue Wolf (2)

Toru Yano (4) vs. James Gibson (3)

Akira Tozawa (8) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (7)

Block B

Akiya Anzawa (2) vs. Hirooki Goto (6)

Ryusuke Taguchi (6) vs. Naofumi Yamamoto (0)

Kota Ibushi (6) vs. Harry Smith (4)

Rogue · February 18, 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... U-30 Challenge Prelims (Night #5) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,800 fans in Fukuoka West Japan Hall in Fukuoka (Kyushu) </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;">'Block A' Hiroshi Nagao (0) vs. Blue Wolf (2) 20-minute time limit <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="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Blue Wolf utterly brutalized Hiroshi Nagao throughout the duration of the match, straight up throwing the young lion around the ring. An exploder suplex just about knocked Nagao senseless as a Lariat from the Mongolian made sure to put Nagao down for the three count. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Blue Wolf by pinfall in 7:47. RATING: 49</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;">'Block B' Akiya Anzawa (2) vs. Hirooki Goto (6) 20-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" />VS <img alt="3IpwooO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3IpwooO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Anzawa tried to stay even with Goto throughout the match, but the older competitor was able to see off his attacks. Showing no lack of concentration whatsoever, Goto was in command from start to finish. The match was finished off just before the eight-minute mark when Anzawa went for a springboard back elbow but was caught for a Go To Heaven by Goto. With his win, Goto's fate in the U-30 Challenge now rested on what both Ryusuke Taguchi and Kota Ibushi would do in their respective matches. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hirooki Goto by pinfall in 7:47. RATING: 40</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;">'Block A' Toru Yano (4) vs. James Gibson (3) 20-minute time limit <img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> An even match to start out, Gibson's experience of wrestling around the world eventually gave him the advantage as he would wear down Yano with a variety of slams and submission attempts. Yano was able to get in some offense and almost got Gibson up into a Canadian Backbreaker Rack, but Gibson would slip out and trip up Yano with a single-leg takedown. With Yano grounded, Gibson was able to lock in a Trailer Hitch for a win to close out his U-30 tourney. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: James Gibson by submission in 7:53. RATING: 45</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="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" /><img alt="4w6Svzf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4w6Svzf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A hype video airs for Fighting Spirit's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title match between Minoru Tanaka and Jushin Thunder Liger. The video hypes up the fact that Tanaka is currently in the middle of a dominant 14-month reign with the title with a record 12 title defenses to his credit. The video also hypes up Liger as the winningest Junior Heavyweight champion in New Japan history with his 11 reigns. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 81</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;">'Block B' Ryusuke Taguchi (6) vs. Naofumi Yamamoto (0) 20-minute time limit <img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS<img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> In contrast to Goto's performance in his match, Taguchi seemed a bit more uninterested in his matchup against the winless Yamamoto. Despite that, Taguchi still was able to remain in control throughout the match, getting in some taunts to go along with his offense. An attempt at a Missile Dropkick by Taguchi missed, allowing for Yamamoto to go for an opening by locking Taguchi into a Boston Crab and then into a Cloverleaf. Taguchi miraculously managed to get out of the tightly held submission, and his demeanor had clearly changed following his time spent on defense. Taguchi would find himself going back on the attack and would almost get a three-count from a fisherman's suplex, but Yamamoto would just get his shoulder up. Frustrated, Taguchi again went for a Missile Dropkick, but Yamamoto himself would hit a dropkick on the falling Taguchi! From there, Yamamoto immediately locked in another Cloverleaf and cranked up the pressure as tightly as he could. With so much on the line, Taguchi refused to tap out for as long as he can... but to everyone's shock, he tapped the mat as quickly as he could to prevent his legs from getting broken. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Naofumi Yamamoto by submission in 11:58. Ryusuke Taguchi is eliminated from B Block contention. RATING: 24</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;">'Block B' Kota Ibushi (6) vs. Harry Smith (4) 20-minute time limit <img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The match to decide the winner of the B Block, Ibushi remained calm and collected throughout the early portions of the match, but Smith would manage to keep the Japanese talent down. Each charge of offense by Ibushi would be met with some sort of stiff strike to keep the Canadian in command. Late in the match, an attempt at a Powerslam by Smith was slipped out of as Ibushi countered with a spectacular reverse frankensteiner. A quick shot at a moonsault by Ibushi led to him being picked out of mid-air by Smith who then connected with a Powerslam! 1...2...Ibushi's B Block hopes stay alive! Once both recover, Smith again went on offense by chopping away at Ibushi, but Ibushi would get back on top by dodging a chop and then nailing a Pelé kick. A running knee downed Smith once again as Ibushi leapt to the top rope and connected with a Golden Star Press. 1...2...3, Ibushi wins B Block! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kota Ibushi by pinfall in 10:29. Kota Ibushi wins Block B of the U-30 Challenge RATING: 43</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;">'Block A' Akira Tozawa (8) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (7) 20-minute time limit <img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />VS <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Needing just a tie to advance to the final at Fighting Spirit, Tozawa immediately escaped out of the ring and would successfully escape from the lumbering Ishii's attacks. Tozawa would also be sure to attack with quick strikes to keep Ishii at bay. Ishii would eventually catch the Dragon Gate wrestler and would continuously drop him to the mat with clubbing blows to the back. Tozawa again would escape from one of Ishii's strikes as he'd again take to the outside in what would become a familiar script in the match. In a memorable spot, Tozawa would tag a chasing Ishii with a swinging kick around the ring post to drop the larger wrestler down. Once he returned to the ring, Tozawa downed Ishii yet again with a diving forearm to the outside over the top rope. The 10-minute mark had already passed as Ishii managed to catch Tozawa again and kept down for awhile with a sliding lariat to the back of the head. Several near falls later and the frustration on Ishii's face became more and more clear to those in attendance. An attempt to finish it with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster would result in a knee to the head by Tozawa... but the follow-up counter by Tozawa of a hurricanrana to the turnbuckle was instead countered by Ishii, who threw Tozawa into the corner with a release powerbomb. The follow up lariat by Ishii was ducked as Tozawa then countered with a dropkick that floored Ishii. Tozawa then scaled the turnbuckle and launched off for a Diving Headbutt... but he was caught in mid-air by Ishii! Ishii hoisted Tozawa up to a vertical position and then dropped him with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster. 1...2...3! Ishii wins the match and A Block! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 18:16. Tomohiro Ishii wins Block A of the U-30 Challenge RATING: 50</div> Following the match, Ishii grabs a microphone and congratulates Tozawa on a strong effort throughout the entire tournament. With that, Ishii also congratulates the rest of the competitors for their efforts throughout the tournament. Ishii then turns his words towards Kota Ibushi, who he promises to beat at Fighting Spirit. He says the U-30 Challenge is an opportunity for him to show the entire New Japan locker room that he is a force to be reckoned with, and there'd be no better way of achieving that then defeating Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 44</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 53</div> <pre class="ipsCode">[b][u]Block A Standings after Night #5 of 5 [W-L-D][/u] Tomohiro Ishii: 9 - [4-0-1][/b] Akira Tozawa: 8 - [4-1-0] James Gibson: 5 - [2-2-1] Toru Yano: 4 - [2-3-0] Blue Wolf: 4 - [2-3-0] Hiroshi Nagao: 0 - [0-5-0]</pre><div></div> <pre class="ipsCode">[b][u]Block B Standings after Night #5 of 5 [W-L-D][/u] Kota Ibushi: 8 - [4-1-0][/b] Hirooki Goto: 8 - [4-1-0] Ryusuke Taguchi: 6 - [3-2-0] Harry Smith: 4 - [2-3-0] Akiya Anzawa: 2 - [1-4-0] Naofumi Yamamoto: 2 - [1-4-0]</pre><div></div> PREDICTIONS Jon The GOAT: 2/6 DGenerationMC: 3/6

Jon The GOAT · February 18, 2018

I can't be too mad. Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii is still a super fun match-up. And like I said, it'll be great some years down the line to see them face off again and see how much better they are.

Rogue · February 18, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Road to Fighting Spirit Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 4,800 people in Osaka Maishima Arena in Osaka (Kinki) Tiger Mask IV, Puma, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin defeated Negro Casas, Felino and Gedo and Jado in 11:05 (Pinfall, Tiger Suplex Hold) 62 Dick Togo and Koji Kanemoto defeated Osamu Nishimura and Masayuki Naruse in 13:57 (Pinfall, Dragon Suplex Hold) 73 Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata defeated Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue in 10:27 (Submission, Nagata Lock II) 79 Masahiro Chono hypes up Fighting Spirit's main event of Scott Norton challenging for Hiroyoshi Tenzan's IWGP Heavyweight Championship. 94 Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Makabe defeated Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito in 11:18 (Pinfall, Fisherman Buster) 72 Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka in 12:27 (Submission, Shining Triangle) 74 NOTES: Shinsuke Nakamura suffered hyper-extended elbow during the match. He will still compete at Fighting Spirit. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima defeated Manabu Nakanishi and Mitsuya Nagai in 16:56 (Submission, Anaconda Vice) 75 Post-match, Tenzan and Kojima celebrate for the fans. 78 SHOW RATING: 77</div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">...</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="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... <img alt="irMBtYr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/irMBtYr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> To be held from the Kobe World Hall in Kobe (Kinki) and be shown LIVE on pay-per-view on Sky PerfectTV! PPV 'IWGP Heavyweight Title' Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /> 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger 60-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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /> 'IWGP Tag Team Titles' Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata 60-minute time limit <img alt="ded987n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ded987n.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" /><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /> Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe 30-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /> Satoshi Kojima and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi) 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" /><img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Minoru Suzuki 30-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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" 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" /> 'U-30 Challenge Final' Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi 60-minute time limit <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /> 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles' Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin 60-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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /> Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi 15-minute time limit <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="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <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="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></div></blockquote> Prediction Key for Fighting Spirit Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton - IWGP Heavyweight Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe Satoshi Kojima and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Minoru Suzuki Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi - U-30 Challenge Final Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi TIEBREAKER: What will be the match of the night?

Jon The GOAT · February 18, 2018

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton - IWGP Heavyweight

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger - IWGP Junior Heavyweight

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team

Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe

Satoshi Kojima and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi)

Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Minoru Suzuki

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi - U-30 Challenge Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team

Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi

TIEBREAKER: What will be the match of the night? IWGP Tag team title match

DGenerationMC · February 18, 2018

Prediction Key for Fighting Spirit

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton - IWGP Heavyweight

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger - IWGP Junior Heavyweight

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team

Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe

Satoshi Kojima and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi)

Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Minoru Suzuki

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi - U-30 Challenge Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team

Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi

TIEBREAKER: What will be the match of the night? Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team

CobheadJake · February 19, 2018

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton - IWGP Heavyweight

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger - IWGP Junior Heavyweight

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata - IWGP Tag Team

Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe

Satoshi Kojima and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi)

Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Minoru Suzuki

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi - U-30 Challenge Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team

Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi

TIEBREAKER: What will be the match of the night? - I'm gonna go for the Tanaka/Liger match.

Rogue · February 27, 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="irMBtYr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/irMBtYr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 10,000 people at the Kobe World Hall in Kobe (Kinki) and shown LIVE on pay-per-view on Sky PerfectTV! 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;">Akira Tozawa, Blue Wolf, Hiroshi Nagao, James Gibson and Toru Yano vs. Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto, Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi 15-minute time limit <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="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <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="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> Despite having 10 competitors taking part in the night's opening match, Tozawa and James Gibson carried the 'A Block' team while Goto and Taguchi carried the load for the 'B Block' team. An exciting start that featured each team one-by-one trading off throwing individuals on the opposing team outside of the ring soon led to rest holds being applied between legal men Gibson and Goto. Each man would only remain in control for a few moments at a time as each competitor would keep finding themselves in a stalemate. Each team would cycle through their legal men after a minute at a time until both Taguchi and Nagao would find themselves as the legal men. The sides would clear again as each illegal man would take care of each other on the outside - allowing Taguchi to suddenly surprise Nagao with a Missile Dropkick for the three-count. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Ryusuke Taguchi, Akiya Anzawa, Harry Smith, Hirooki Goto and Naofumi Yamamoto by pinfall in 9:41. RATING: 48</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. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin 60-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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /></div> Gedo and El Samurai started out as the legal men and would entertain with an even matchup in the early portions of the match, once the match went to the ground though it was the champion that took the advantage. El Samurai would work his way back to his feet and would drop the champ with an inverted DDT to go on offense. The challengers proved to be an effective unit against the champs as they'd effectively tag in and out to keep themselves fresh. Gedo would work his way out of being caught between the two energized challengers though, as he'd drop Kashin with a forearm and tag out to Jado. Once Jado established his presence in the ring, the balance of the match shifted towards the champions as both Gedo and Jado would then trade tags amongst each other. While both Samurai and Kashin would mount valiant charges that would light up both champions with their signature offense, the champs would each find a way to keep powering out. Towards the end, Gedo and Samurai found themselves as the legal men again and were trading stiff chop after stiff chop with each other. Gedo would try to catch Samurai by surprise with a superkick attempt, but the masked veteran ducked it and would roll up the champion with a Samurai Clutch. Gedo managed to maintain his footing and would deliver a hard stomp to Samurai's head. As Jado threw Kashin over the barricade on the outside, Gedo launched off the top rope with a Super Fly to pin Samurai and earn his team's third title defense. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Gedo and Jado by pinfall in 12:44. Gedo and Jado retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. (Defense #3) RATING: 79</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 Final' Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi 60-minute time limit <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> After a brief staredown, both competitors charge out of their corner and trade forearms with each other. A missed early Lariat attempt by the larger competitor opened up a chance for Ibushi to hit one of his recent favorites - the Pelé Kick - but Ishii would catch his leg in mid-air and would lock in an Ankle Lock. Technical skills not being his forté, however, Ishii's grip on the more agile Ibushi would only last for so long as Ibushi would roll out of the hold and recover in his corner. Ishii would charge and continue to light up the 22-year-old with heavy blows in the corner. Red Shoes would eventually step in and back Ishii off, allowing Ibushi to recover further in the corner. Ibushi was able to use his agility to his advantage as a dodged shoulder block allowed Ibushi to hit some quick kicks and eventually down Ishii with a spinning wheel kick. A top-rope frankensteiner nearly led to a pin fall, which caused Ishii to then retreat to a corner and re-think his strategy. The match eventually spilled out to the outside where the two traded blows once again until Ibushi would drop a standing Ishii again with a diving knee strike from the apron. Ishii would roll back into the ring in time for the 20-count as Ibushi would again hit Ishii with a variety of kicks and would go for a reverse spin kick, but Ishii would grab Ibushi in mid-air and deliver a release german suplex that sent Ibushi's back crashing into a turnbuckle. The rebound by the dazed Ibushi out of the corner allowed Ishii to send him crashing to the mat with a Lariat! 1...2...Ibushi just got a shoulder up! Ishii would again nail Ibushi with a variety of stiff, clubbing blows, but an attempt at a headbutt allowed Ibushi to go for a quick small package... 1...2... Ishii now just gets a shoulder up! The attempt served as a distraction of sorts as Ibushi would recover quickly and would hit a quick seated dropkick to the A Block winner. Ibushi would impress with his strength as he would raise Ishii onto his shoulders and plant him with a sit-out powerbomb. The B Block winner would then ascend to the top rope and despite losing his balance for a moment would prepare to launch off for a Corkscrew 630 Senton... but he would be caught by Ishii with a leaping headbutt that sent Ibushi crashing to the outside! Ishii would then roll Ibushi into the ring as he would then hoist him up for a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster, but Ibushi would attempt to counter with a Tornado DDT, but the counter didn't connect though as both men would find themselves on their feet... at least until Ishii turned Ibushi inside out with an absolutely vicious Lariat. Cover, 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall in 16:22. Tomohiro Ishii wins the inaugural U-30 Challenge. Ishii is the new #1 contender to the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. RATING: 64</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 vs. Minoru Suzuki 30-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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" 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" /></div> The MMA influence between both competitors was clear as both would shoot in for wrestling-style takedowns with neither man able to land one. Suzuki then flashed his now trademark sadistic smirk as both men went at it again, with Fujita being the one to land a takedown on Suzuki. Rather than submissions, Fujita kept delivering heavy blows to the downed Suzuki, but Suzuki would soon fight his way back to his feet and contort his mouth back into that signature smirk as they engaged in another standoff. An exchange of standing blows soon led to a european uppercut that rocked Fujita as Suzuki grounded his opponent and worked on Fujita's dominant-legged knee and ankle. Fujita would soon work his way back to his feet once reaching the ropes and would shove the smaller Suzuki away before charging at him and dropping him with a spear. Fujita's offense still refrained from utilizing technical moves as he continued to wear down Suzuki with stomps and knee drops until deciding to go for a crossface. After writhing around in the hold, Suzuki managed to escape and would stiffly slap Fujita once he got back to his feet. The two exchanged slaps before going forehead-to-forehead with each other, providing Fujita the opportunity to throw Suzuki back to the mat. Once grounding Suzuki for a while, Fujita attempted to lock in a Rear Naked Choke on his opponent, but Suzuki would fend off Fujita's attempts to fully lock it in. Getting a hand on the rope, Suzuki would manage to get back to his feet as he would deliver a quick knee to Fujita's gut and then go for a Gotch-Style Piledriver, which Fujita fought off by shoving Suzuki against the ropes. As Suzuki rebounded off the ropes he planted Fujita with a running dropkick and then started to lock in a Sleeper Hold on Fujita. Fujita would appear to fade but would soon begin to fight his way out of the submission. Once free, the brief lack of oxygen caused him to stumble about a bit as Suzuki would then deliver a Gotch-Style Piledriver for the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Minoru Suzuki by pinfall in 19:57 RATING: 66</div> After the match, Suzuki grabs the ringside microphone as he stands over Fujita. Suzuki says that the era of Minoru Suzuki is upon us and that his path of destruction will not end until he is IWGP Heavyweight Champion. It does not matter who he has to choke out, but the gold will soon be his. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 76</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 and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi) 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" /><img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Sasaki and Nakanishi started the match off with Sasaki getting the advantage early on. Kojima and Sasaki were the more effective team throughout the early portion of the match, isolating Nakanishi from the Black New Japan leader long enough to really wear down the large heavyweight. Nakanishi's attempts to fight back would only be short-lived as either Sasaki or Kojima would effectively wear him back down. An attempt to finish the the match early by Kojima with a Kojima Cutter was thwarted by Nakanishi, who shoved Kojima away and got the tag off to Chono. Kojima, set on reversing his recent momentum, maintained his composure and effectively fended off Chono's early attacks until Chono broke through with a strong knee to the forehead. A variety of suplexes were then utilized by Chono to wear down the back of Kojima some more as he then locked in an Octopus Hold using the ropes for leverage to wear down Kojima's entire upper torso. The referee soon saw Chono's tactics and ordered him to break the hold. Going to grab a crawling Kojima, Chono found himself getting kicked away and then being clobbered by a running discus elbow from the now legal Sasaki. Sasaki made no hesitations in laying it to Chono, delivering stiff blow after stiff blow to the Black New Japan leader. A knee lift later and Sasaki picked Chono up to throw a Lariat, but Chono managed to duck in time and dropped the back of Sasaki's neck on his knee to keep both competitors down for some time. Both competitors started to stir as each man then tagged out to make way for Kojima and Nakanishi. Both traded frantic punches amongst each other but a strong backhand chop by Kojima dropped the Black New Japan member. As Chono and Sasaki recovered on the apron, Kojima lined up Nakanishi for a Lariat yet Nakanishi ducked in time... yet walked right into a Cozy Crush Dynamite attempt by Kojima. Nakanishi slipped backwards off of the CCD attempt as he shoved Kojima towards the ropes as he quickly got a tag off to Chono. By the time Kojima rebounded, Chono blasted him with a Shining Yakuza Kick as Nakanishi clotheslined Sasaki down upon entering the ring. Three-count later and Black New Japan were declared the victors. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Black New Japan by pinfall in 18:03. RATING: 77</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;">Brock Lesnar vs. Shinya Makabe 30-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> The much-anticipated New Japan debut of Lesnar got underway with the former NCAA champ getting behind Makabe and dropping him with some amateur wrestling-influenced takedowns, however, after each one Makabe would rise to his feet and merely laugh off the American's efforts. A slap to the face by Makabe and a taunting "Come on!!!" set Lesnar off as he then speared Makabe into a corner and threw punch after punch. After the two were separated, Makabe then charged at Lesnar and started returning the favor. The match soon moved back to the center of the ring as the two continuously traded punches until Lesnar ducked a hook to drop Makabe with a german suplex. Lesnar shouted towards the audience as he then locked in various holds targeting his opponent's legs to slow up the match a bit. As Makabe would rise to his feet, he'd slap Lesnar yet again but then lay in a couple of punches before dropping Lesnar with a spinebuster. From there, it was Makabe's turn to hit some grounded offense, utilizing mostly some knee drops to soften Lesnar up. Lesnar would try fighting back once he stood up, but Makabe would drop him a german suplex of his own. Makabe would spend time taunting Lesnar as the American continued to get to his feet, but Makabe's cockiness would subside the longer his offense went on. Makabe would drop Lesnar with a Death Valley Driver and would get a near fall for his efforts before going up top for a King Kong Knee Drop. As Makabe launched off the top rope, he stopped short as he saw Lesnar's potential counter coming. A surprised Lesnar was suddenly hoisted up into the air for a second Death Valley Driver, but he slipped out and hit a release german suplex that sent Makabe landing back-fist against the corner. As Makabe recoiled/rebounded back out of the corner, he walked right into an F-5 by Lesnar to hand the American the win in his debut. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Brock Lesnar by pinfall in 15:29. RATING: 75</div> Following the ringing of the bell, Lesnar immediately pounced back on Makabe and hit a flurry of mounted punches on his opponent. Ringside officials attempted to step in to separate Lesnar from his prey but the imposing sight of the attacker provides them with some hesitation on that action. Lesnar picks up Makabe and holds him by the shoulders to make sure his knees don't buckle. A taunting shout of "Come on!!!" to Makabe is then followed by yet another F-5 as Lesnar then rolled out of the ring and briskly made his way back up the entrance ramp. <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;">'IWGP Tag Team Titles' Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata 60-minute time limit <img alt="ded987n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ded987n.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" /><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /></div> Tanahashi and Nagata start out the match with Nagata fending off Tanahashi's various strikes. A shoulder block against a rebounding Tanahashi put Nagata in control of the early stages of the match as he'd wear down a grounded Tanahashi with a variety of different holds. Tanahashi would soon get back to his feet and would drop Nagata with a spinning wheel kick after irish whipping Nagata against the ropes. Tanahashi looked to make a tag to Nakamura, but held off on doing so to allow him to continue to rest his injured elbow. Tanahashi would continue to hold off Nagata and the now tagged in Fujinami, but ultimately he could hold off against the two for so long as he'd eventually be worn down by New Japan's elder statesman. Tanahashi would manage to escape and roll out of a kneeling headlock and would then get the tag off to Nakamura. The younger half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions was able to keep Fujinami down with several running clotheslines and knee lifts, but a tactically placed dropkick to Nakamura's injured left elbow sent him reeling as Fujinami went back on the attack. Despite it being the logical limb to attack, Fujinami chose to avoid Nakamura's left elbow and instead worked on the right with submissions while on the ground. Once Nakamura fought his way back to his feet, Fujinami would drop him yet again with a double underhook DDT and went for the pin, 1...2...Nakamura kicked out! Nakamura would recover on the outside as Fujinami would tag to Nagata, who went to chase the injured youngster back in the ring. Nakamura would slide back in ahead of time to hit the ropes and drop an entering Nagata with a seated dropkick. Several knee drops later and Nakamura would tag back out to Tanahashi. Tanahashi would resort to his traditional mid-match arsenal to best Nagata, but the grizzled veteran would stay vertical and would throw Tanahashi around the ring. The lack of respect from Nagata towards the younger team was on full display as he continually berated Tanahashi while on the ground and would give light kicks to the top of his head as he went to stand. Tanahashi would only stand for enough of this as he would hit a quick succession of kicks on Nagata to take him by surprise and then hit a snap neckbreaker to stun him. A diving elbow drop would only yield a two-count for Tanahashi as he would raise Nagata and spear him into his corner. While he wasn't looking, Nakamura tagged in and he went to work by punishing Nagata in a neutral corner with a running splash into the corner. A bulldog back out of the corner dazed Nagata enough for Nakamura to go for a Landslide, but the attacker's injured elbow didn't allow him to get the defender onto his shoulders completely, allowing him to climb down with ease. Nagata then dropped Nakamura with a Backdrop Hold and then spun around on the ground to lock him into a Nagata Lock II. Tanahashi entered the ring to attempt to break up the hold, but Fujinami impeded his progress. Nakamura's elbow could only handle so much punishment as New Japan's lone dual champion was forced to tap out from the crossface. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata by submission in 16:02. Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata become the 48th IWGP Tag Team Champions. (6th reign for Fujinami) (2nd reign for Nagata) RATING: 80</div> After the new champions clear the ring, Nakamura gets to his feet as Tanahashi slowly goes over to check on him to see if his elbow is in an okay state. The pair don't seem to be much for conversation as Tanahashi then leaves to go... Nakamura then spins him around though to stare his partner down. Eventually, Nakamura shoves Tanahashi, who doesn't return the attack but gets back in Nakamura's face. Nakamura then starts mouthing off to Tanahashi with the camera picking up bits and pieces of his verbal attack on him with Nakamura suggesting that Tanahashi has become jealous of what Nakamura's accomplished at only 24 years of age. Tanahashi asks Nakamura if he's done yet, which prompts the younger wrestler to slap him across the face and yell at him some more. Tanahashi finally fights back by shoving Nakamura as the two then go back and forth shoving each other across the ring. Tanahashi grows tired of the confrontation as he backs away from Nakamura and exits the ring. Nakamura poses with his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship and points at Tanahashi with an intense look in his eyes. <div style="text-align:center;">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. Jushin Thunder Liger 60-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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> The two athletically dance around each other's early moves to the delight of the crowd as each man employs the perfect counter to the other's offense. Tanaka eventually catches Liger with a drop toe hold and then starts wearing down Liger with some submission holds in the early stages of the match. Liger's experience pays off as he's able to exploit some holes in Tanaka's ground work to go on the attack. The two competitors continue to go back and forth with each only being able to go on offense for a minute at a time, but Liger punches through with a major opening with a Tornado DDT that almost provided him with his 12th IWGP Junior Heavyweight title reign with a near three-count. After keeping him down on the ground with several boots, Liger would lift Tanaka up and stretch him with his signature Romero Special submission. Liger's offense would continue on with a frogsplash that would also just come up short in delivering the three-count. A follow-up attempt with a brainbuster was slipped out of by Tanaka as the Junior Heavyweight champion dropped the back of Liger's head on his knee. Tanaka would continuously target Liger's head and once the masked wrestler returned to a standing base, Tanaka would go for a Superkick to bring the match to an end but Liger would catch his leg and go for one of Tanaka's favorites - the Ankle Lock - to surprise the champion. Tanaka would roll through the submission and kick Liger away, dropkicking him away again as Liger would charge after standing quickly. It was Tanaka's turn to lock in an Ankle Lock as he started to target the veteran's legs. After the hold served its usefulness, Tanaka hit several targetted dropkicks to Liger's knees in an attempt to immobilize him. Liger would dodge such an attempt, however, and would instead take out the champion with a Abisegeri. Liger would head up top and (despite it taking awhile) would bust out an old favorite, the Shooting Star Press, with the move connecting! Liger with the cover, 1...2...No! Tanaka just managed to get a shoulder up. Liger would throw Tanaka out of the ring and take the champion out with a dive to the outside from the top rope in a move that brought the 10,000 in attendance to their feet. Both would recover at the same time and would engage in a chopfest on the outside, the back-and-forth between the two would be broken up as Tanaka would grab the back of Liger's head and drive it into the ring apron. Rolling him into the ring, Tanaka ascended to the top rope and went for a Fireball Splash, but Liger would just manage to roll out of the way and would go for a Crash Thunder Buster on a reeling Tanaka, but his stunned opponent would roll through for a pin! 1...2...Liger just kicked out! Both men again would stagger to their feet and would go back and forth on punches with Liger's efforts having a bit more 'oomph' to them. Liger would whip Tanaka against the ropes and would go for a clothesline but Tanaka would leap into the air and drop Liger to the mat with a Minoru Special! Tanaka had Liger right where he wanted him in the center of the ring. With nowhere to go for the former champion, he had no choice but to tap out to the Minoru Special after a minute of struggling. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Minoru Tanaka by submission in 26:46. Minoru Tanaka retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title. (Defense #13) 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;">'IWGP Heavyweight Title' Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Scott Norton 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> The night's main event got off with an impactful tone as Norton slapped the Heavyweight Champion right across the mouth. With that, we were off to the races as Tenzan immediately threw Norton into the corner and started lighting him up with punches to the abdomen. Norton would quickly recover and reverse the roles as he'd repeat the same sequence by throwing Tenzan into the same corner. Tenzan would ultimately fight his way back out of the corner with his trademark overhead chops with a backhand chop doing the job of sending Norton to the mat. A headlock on the mat slowed the action for the champion until Norton would get his foot on the rope, prompting Red Shoes to break up the action. Once both men got to their feet, they went back at it again trading blows until Tenzan again threw Norton into the corner. Taking a page from ally Satoshi Kojima, Tenzan hit Norton with several backhand chops in the corner with rapid succession that left Norton reeling and dropping to his knees. The moment of weakness by the gaijin opened him up for a clothesline into the corner... but a second attempt was avoided by Norton with an elbow out of the corner. Norton would charge out of the corner and drop the champion with a leaping shoulder block as he'd hit him with several stiff blows after raising him to his feet. A scoop powerslam would thunder around the arena as Norton would then go up to the second rope and then jump off and hit an aerial knee drop to the downed Tenzan. With some momentum now in his corner, Norton went up to the second rope again and then dropped a rising Tenzan with a diving shoulder block. Norton would pick up the champion for a belly-to-back suplex but would instead lock in a Dragon Sleeper. Tenzan would appear to fade at times but he would soon manage to get back to his feet and break out of the hold. Spinning around, Tenzan started fighting back with more overhead chops before dropping the challenger with a quick DDT. A successful sequence of moves put Tenzan in the position to go for a Tenzan Tombstone Driver, but Norton would destabilize the champion and fall backwards, in turn hoisting Tenzan up in Powerslam position and subsequently dropping him with the move! Norton covers! 1...2...No dice! Tenzan kicked out! Norton would get to his feet and would signal for a Lariat as Tenzan slowly started getting to his feet. Once he was standing, Norton charged for his finisher but Tenzan ducked while grabbing one of Norton's arms, kneed the American in the face, and then picked him up for a second attempt at a Tenzan Tombstone Driver with the move connecting this time. As both competitors lay on the ground, Tenzan then locks in an Anaconda Vice and does so with a ferocity to ensure Norton can't escape. The move ultimately prevails as Tenzan finds himself heading into the month of March with his IWGP Heavyweight Title reign intact. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroyoshi Tenzan by submission in 18:34. Hiroyoshi Tenzan retains the IWGP Heavyweight Title. (Defense #2) RATING: 65</div> After the match, Tenzan hypes up the capacity crowd with the IWGP Heavyweight Title belt before grabbing a microphone from a ringside attendant. Tenzan says that he's gone up against some of the best that New Japan has to offer and has left each of his confrontations with the IWGP Heavyweight Title still held over his shoulder. He says that, unlike the G1 Climax, the reigning Heavyweight champion won't be permitted from entering into the New Japan Cup, but he welcomes the challenge of facing the new tournament's winner at May's major pay-per-view. With the conclusion of his remarks, red-and-yellow streamers fill the ring as the show comes to a close. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 90</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 73 PPV BUYS: 0.47 (238,750 buys)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Jon the GOAT: 8/9 DGenerationMC: 8/9 (might need to do MotN and MotN runner-up? Congrats, guys) CobheadJake: 8/9</div></blockquote>

CobheadJake · February 27, 2018

Damn, sucks that I came so close to winning the predictions, lol.

Man, shame that main event's rating wasn't great... I'd put that down to Norton, I suppose. I continue to look forward to seeing where you go with Nakamura/Tanahashi and now Ishii.

Rogue · February 27, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">Wrestling News from February/March</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(S): WWE RAW (March, Wk 1) RATING: 87 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Chris Benoit def. Triple H (RAW, March Wk 1) RATING: 99 - No title changes. NEWS: - Held their annual Wrestlemania event with the show receiving great ratings (78.) The card was headlined by John Bradshaw Layfield defeating The Big Show to retain the WWE Heavyweight Championship. - Signed contract extensions with Rhino, Dawn Marie, Kenzo Suzuki, Matt Hardy, Paul Heyman, Maven, Muhammad Hassan, Tajiri and Gene Snitsky.</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(S): CMLL Super Viernes (Mar, Wk 1) RATING: 78 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Ultimo Guerrero def. Felino to retain the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title (CMLL Super Viernes, Mar Wk 1) RATING: 85 - No title changes. NEWS: - Has entered into an alliance with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, allowing the two companies to share talent more easily between each other. - The willingness to join such an alliance likely comes off the heels of the company falling to 'Cult' size.</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(S): TNA Impact! (Mar, Wk 2) RATING: 66 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Jeff Hardy def. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall (TNA Impact!, Feb Wk 3) RATING: 72 - While TNA's only sole-promoted title (X-Division) didn't change hands, the NWA has been moving its World Tag and World Heavyweight championships around. - Masaaki Mochizuki and Don Fujii are the current NWA World Tag Team champions, winning them in February. - The World Heavyweight championship has bounced around between Ron Killings and Michael Shane with Steve Corino now holding the championship belt. NEWS: - Scott Hall and Diamond Dallas Page have left the promotion.</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. 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(S): NOAH Exile Tour (Mon) (Mar, Wk 3) RATING: 84 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Kenta Kobashi def. Mitsuhara Misawa (NOAH Exile Tour (Mon), (Mar, Wk 3) RATING: 98 - 2 Cold Scorpio currently holds the GHC Openweight Hardcore championship after winning the vacant belt in March. The belt was vacated from Yoshinari Ogawa in mid-February. - Takeshi Rikio and Takeshi Morishima both won the vacant GHC Tag Team championships in mid-February.</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(S): AJPW Lashing Out Tour (Fri) (Mar, Wk 2) RATING: 80 MATCH of the MONTH(S): CIMA def. TAKA Michinoku by DQ (All Japan B-Banquet, Mar Wk 3) RATING: 84 - CIMA won the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight championship from Kaz Hayashi. NEWS: - As Pro-Wrestling NOAH slots into the #1 ranking for Japanese promotions, All Japan has struck up an alliance with both NJPW and CMLL to trade talent. - AJPW has signed Masato Tanaka and Ikuto Hidaka to written contracts.</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 Administraction <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(S): AAA Rey de Reyes 2005 (Mar, 3) RATING: 78 MATCH of the MONTH(S): El Hijo del Santo def. Abismo Negro (AAA Lucha Libre TV, Feb Wk 2) RATING: 89 - Mascara Sagrada became a two-time IWC World Heavyweight champion by beating Cibernetico in the first week of February. - Abismo Negro and Gran Apache won the newly re-activated AAA World Tag Team titles in the first week of February. NEWS: - Cibernetico left AAA mid-February to join CMLL on a written contract.</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(S): ZERO-ONE Radioactive Tour (Tuesday) (Mar, Wk 3) RATING: 69 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Shinjiro Otani def. Steve Corino (ZERO-ONE Radioactive Tour Tuesday, February Wk 4) RATING: 81 - Hirotaka Yokoi and Steve Corino won the vacant NWA Intercontinental Tag Team titles in the last Monday of March. Ikuto Hidaka and Kohei Sato previously held the titles for three weeks before the titles were vacated mid-March. - Juventud Guerrera and Kohei Sato won the newly-created ZERO-ONE Tag Championships in the third Thursday of March.</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(S): ROH Anniversary Show 2 (Feb) RATING: 61 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Samoa Joe def. James Gibson, Colt Cabana and Steve Corino to retain the ROH World Heavyweight Title (ROH Anniversary Show) RATING: 69 - B-Boy and Delirious won the vacant ROH Tag Team titles at the ROH Anniversary Show.</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(S): Dragon Gate Showtime! Tour (Wednesday) (Feb, Wk 3) RATING: 66 MATCH of the MONTH(S): Kensuke Sasaki def. Genki Horiguchi and TAKA Michinoku (Dragon Gate Showtime! Tour (Wed) (Feb, Wk 3) RATING: 82 - Genichiro Tenryu won the DG Open the Dream Gate belt in the first week of February. - Don Fujii and Masaaki Mochizuki became three-time DG Open the Twin Gate winners in the first week of February. - Fujii, Ryo Saito and Stalker Ichikawa won the DG Open the Triangle Gate belts in the first week of February.</div></blockquote> MISC. NEWS - CHIKARA have fallen to local size. - DDT have grown to regional size. - WLW-USA have fallen to local size. - WLW-USA and PWG have entered into a working relationship with each other.

Rogue · February 28, 2018

proudly presents...

The New Japan Cup

2005 brings New Japan Pro-Wrestling its second brand-new tournament as 16 men prepare to do battle in the inaugural New Japan Cup. With a shot at Hiroyoshi Tenzan's IWGP Heavyweight Championship at May's pay-per-view on the line, the best of the best have entered themselves for the April competition.

The winner of the NJC will be determined through a traditional 16-man bracket-style tournament. The competition will be contested across four preliminary events (two nights of Round of 16, one quarterfinal event, one semifinal event) with the final being featured in its own pay-per-view at the conclusion of the month. Each preliminary event will be broadcast live on TV Asahi.

New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #1)
To be held from the Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium in Amagasaki (Kinki) and to be shown live on TV Asahi.

'New Japan Cup - Round of 16'
(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe
30-minute time limit

'New Japan Cup - Round of 16'
(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito
30-minute time limit

'New Japan Cup - Round of 16'
(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka
30-minute time limit

'New Japan Cup - Round of 16'
(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai
30-minute time limit

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii,
James Gibson and Dick Togo
20-minute time limit

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL
Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue vs. Negro Casas and Felino
20-minute time limit

Quick Picks for New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #1)

(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito - NJC Round of 16

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka - NJC Round of 16

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai - NJC Round of 16

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

TIEBREAKER: First and second picks for match of the night.

CobheadJake · February 28, 2018

(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito - NJC Round of 16

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka - NJC Round of 16

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai - NJC Round of 16

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

DGenerationMC · February 28, 2018

(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito - NJC Round of 16

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka - NJC Round of 16

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai - NJC Round of 16

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

TIEBREAKER: (#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16 and Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Anaconda · February 28, 2018

(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito - NJC Round of 16

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka - NJC Round of 16

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai - NJC Round of 16

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

Hashasheen · February 28, 2018

If I'm going to follow this dynasty, Blue Wolf better get pushed to the moon.

Kijar · February 28, 2018

(#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Round of 16

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito - NJC Round of 16

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka - NJC Round of 16

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai - NJC Round of 16

Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo

Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL

TIEBREAKER: First and second picks for match of the night.

Nagata/Makabe

then Tana vs Taka

Rogue · March 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" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #1) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 5,000 in the Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium in Amagasaki (Kinki) 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;">Team NJPW vs. Team CMLL Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue vs. Negro Casas and Felino 20-minute time limit <img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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> Inoue and Felino were the two to start off the match with neither man being able to get an advantage in its early goings. Once they tagged out to their partners, the scales started to tip to the Mexican team's favor as Negro Casas, still the CMLL World Middleweight Champion, started to pick apart Takemura. The Japanese team would have their moments of getting their offense in, but the veteran Casas would always have an answer for them whenever they started to generate enough momentum. Taking out Takemura with a dropkick while simultaneously giving Inoue a bulldog, Casas would lock in a Scorpion Deathlock on Inoue for the submission victory - helping Team CMLL's case for a future IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title shot. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Negro Casas and Felino by submission in 10:34. RATING: 55</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;">Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto and Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo 20-minute time limit <img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.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" /></div> Each member of each team got in their own share of offense with Ibushi and Ishii carrying the weight for their respective team. Togo's experience proved to be beneficial as he would wrestle control of the match into his favor when going up against the likes of the young Ibushi and Taguchi. Ibushi and Taguchi would put forth valiant high-flying efforts to pull themselves back into the match, and their efforts would not go unnoticed by the Amagasaki crowd with rallying cries being chanted in their name. Ultimately, their opponents would get the upper hand again and hold the momentum until the match's conclusion. Ishii and Goto found themselves as the legal men at the end with the U-30 Challenge winner finding victory by way of a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Tomohiro Ishii, James Gibson and Dick Togo by pinfall in 10:36. RATING: 64</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;">'New Japan Cup - Round of 16' (#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#15) Mitsuya Nagai 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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> Sasaki would maintain control throughout the entire encounter. Black New Japan's junior member would have his moments of attempting to fight back, but the brutish Sasaki would always manage to wrangle the smaller Nagai back under control. Several knee lifts from Sasaki were followed up with a lengthy vertical suplex. The five-time IWGP Heavyweight champion then signaled that the end of the match was near as he hoisted Nagai up for a Northern Lights Bomb and dropped him with a ferocious rendition of the move. Three-count later and Sasaki's path to the quarterfinals was clear. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kensuke Sassaki by pinfall in 8:17. Kensuke Sasaki advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 72</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;">'New Japan Cup - Round of 16' (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#14) Takashi Iizuka 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Iizuka would go on the advantage at the early portions of the match, using his size to wear down the younger Tanahashi. Each time Tanahashi would attempt to get back to his feet, he would be the recipient of a clubbing forearm across his back from the brute. Another attempt at a strike to the back was reversed by Tanahashi, who utilized a flashy armbar attempt to take Iizuka down to the mat. Making it a point to target Iizuka's arm throughout the match, another attempt for an armbar takedown would be thwarted by Iizuka, who would stay on his feet and instead take Tanahashi down again with a side suplex. Once grounded, Iizuka would lock in a prone crossface chickenwing that had Tanahashi scrambling for the ropes. Once a rope break was achieved, Tanahashi would fight off an approaching Iizuka with several elbows before giving him a headscissors to the outside. A spectacular dive to the outside reversed the momentum of the match as Tanahashi now fully had the crowd on his side. Once rolling Iizuka into the ring, Tanahashi would employ several dropkicks to continually keep the larger competitor down. A dragon screw leg whip would keep Iizuka grounded long enough for the younger man to lock in a Texas Cloverleaf. Attempts by Iizuka to meet the ropes would be met with Tanahashi stomping his way back to the center of the ring. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroshi Tanahashi by submission in 12:57. Hiroshi Tanahashi advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 76</div> After his victory, Tanahashi grabs a microphone from ringside and thanks the audience for attending the night's card. He says that without the fans tuning in on television, buying the pay-per-views and attending the live events, none of this will be possible. He re-iterates that great things are on the horizon for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and for himself, and that will all start by winning the New Japan Cup and going on to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. As for his blow up with Shinsuke Nakamura at Fighting Spirit, Tanahashi says Nakamura needs time to get out whatever's in his system. He's seen Nakamura's ego growing over time, and if he's the one that has to knock him back down a peg, so be it. <div style="text-align:center;">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;">'New Japan Cup - Round of 16' (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#16) Hiro Saito 30-minute time limit <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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> A slug-fest from the opening bell, Chono and Saito traded right hands in the center of the ring in a challenge to see who would drop first. Ultimately, it was Chono that would go on the attack first as he'd wrench Saito into a headlock and then immediately start flooring him with a medley of drops and suplexs. After landing several DDTs in a row, Chono looked for an early finish with a Shining Yakuza Kick, but Saito ducked and would drop the former IWGP Heavyweight champ with a swinging neckbreaker. Saito would work at softening Chono up with another variety of strikes before driving him down to the mat with a vicious spinebuster. Saito's control of the match wouldn't last much longer as Chono once again would fight back with several knees to Saito's torso. A running spinning heel kick would drop Saito again and would set him up for Chono's finish. Charging out of the corner, Chono would tattoo Saito into the mat with a hard Shining Yakuza Kick as he'd pick up a pinfall victory. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 10:49. Masahiro Chono advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 79</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;">'New Japan Cup - Round of 16' (#4) Yuji Nagata vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe 30-minute time limit <img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> Both competitors would engage in a very physical brawl that had neither man jump out to an advantage. Whether it be punches or forearms, neither Nagata or Makabe would show any wear. Nagata would eventually grab the advantage by dropping Makabe with an enzuigiri as the veteran would then continue to wear down Makabe with multiple chops in the corner. Makabe would grab Nagata for a reversal and threw him into the corner and returned the favor with chops of his own. The two would continue to reverse each other's corner chops until Makabe would trip up Nagata and then pounce on him on the ground. Makabe would work on Nagata's knee through the next several minutes whether it be on the ground or standing with the damage being enough for Nagata being unable to pick Makabe up for a suplex. Realizing the match may be tipped towards his favor, Makabe went for an early finish with a King Kong Knee Drop, but Nagata would roll out of the way and would lock in a rear naked choke on his opponent. Makabe would struggle around to make his way to the ropes, but would manage to get a foot on them eventually. Once both competitors got back to their feet, they went right back at it with backhand chops with Nagata again gaining control. Several blows to the back of the head were followed with a Backdrop Hold into a pin for Nagata! 1...2...Makabe just kicked out! Bewildered, Nagata went to lock in a Nagata Lock but Makabe would manage to hang on to the ropes and kick Nagata away. Once back to his feet, Makabe would spit in Nagata's direction, infuriating the veteran. Nagata would charge towards Makabe, but his advance would be dodged and countered with a bridging german suplex. Cover by Makabe, 1...2...now it's Nagata who just kicks out! Nagata would recover first and would go for another Backdrop Hold on Makabe. Makabe would slip out and would deliver a clubbing Lariat to the back of Nagata's head. The big move would be enough for Makabe to climb the top rope and deliver a King Kong Knee Drop to the back of Nagata's head! Cover, 1...2...3! Makabe with the upset! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinya Makabe by pinfall in 16:45. Shinya Makabe advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 82 </div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 80 TV: 5.28 (3,963,140 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>CobheadJake: 4/6 DGenerationMC: 5/6 Anaconda: 2/6 Kijar: 4/6</div></blockquote> Thank you as always for the predictions! Warms my cold, dead heart. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If I'm going to follow this dynasty, Blue Wolf better get pushed to the moon.</div></blockquote> I think he might be in line for a future U-30 Openweight title shot. Hmmmm. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rogue · March 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" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #2) To be held from the Ishikawa Industrial Hall in Kanzawa, Ishikawa (Chubu) and be broadcast 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;">'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki 30-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" 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" /> 'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /> 'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi 30-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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu 30-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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO 20-minute time limit <img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N3VNmKL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N3VNmKL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin 20-minute time limit <img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /></div></div></blockquote> Prediction Key for The New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #2) (#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16 (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16 (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16 (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16 Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin TIEBREAKER: MOTN and runner-up MOTN.

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