NJPW 2005: Dark Days are Over?

Rogue · March 16, 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="r0znoK0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r0znoK0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in Matsue (Night #1) To be held from the Shimane Prefectural Convention Center in Matsue (Chugoku) and to be shown LIVE on TV Asahi.</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. 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="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" /> Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii 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="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai) 20-minute time limit <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma 20-minute time limit <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue 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="rvKe7iL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvKe7iL.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="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" /></div></div></blockquote> Prediction Key for 'Destruction in Matsue Night #1' Satoshi Kojima vs. Manabu Nakanishi Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai) Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue TIEBREAKER: Match of the Night and MotN runner-up.

DGenerationMC · March 16, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Manabu Nakanishi (MOTN runner-up)

Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii (MOTN)

Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai)

Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

Kijar · March 16, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Manabu Nakanishi 2nd MOTN

Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii MOTN

Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai)

Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

DREAM · March 16, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Manabu Nakanishi MOTN RU

Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii MOTN

Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai)

Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

jesseewiak · March 17, 2018

I'm not saying you need to sign Taue, but you need to sign Taue

CobheadJake · March 17, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Manabu Nakanishi (MOTN)

Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii (Runner-up MOTN)

Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai)

Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

TIEBREAKER: Match of the Night and MotN runner-up.

Rogue · March 21, 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="r0znoK0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r0znoK0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in Matsue (Night #1) Held from the Shimane Prefectural Convention Center in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,200 people in Matsue (Chugoku) 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;">Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue 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="rvKe7iL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvKe7iL.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="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" /></div> Taguchi and GENTARO lifted the crowd and got them involved at the early start of the match with their fast-paced, high-flying offense. A missed attempt at a Missile Dropkick by Taguchi opened him up to be floored with effective attacks from the more established team of Takemura and Inoue. Once the more established team began to pick up momentum, it was hard to slow them down - and slow them down Taguchi and GENTARO tried. As the match began to approach the 10-minute mark, Inoue wore down GENTARO down with a combo of suplexes with a brainbuster keeping GENTARO down long enough for Inoue to slap on a Triangle Lancer. Wasn't much of a struggle on the ground as the New Japan newcomer quickly found himself tapping out. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Wataru Inoue and Katsushi Takemura by submission in 9:44. RATING: 50</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;">Gedo and Jado vs. Akiya Anzawa and Puma 20-minute time limit <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team champions approached this match as men on a mission as they were effective in isolating the opposing teammates from each other and wearing each individual down. Both Gedo and Jado each got equal time in getting in their offense on the younger team. As Jado threw Puma to the outside late in the match, Gedo set Anzawa up with a Complete Shot and then headed up to the top rope. A Superfly Splash later and Gedo picked up the pinfall victory for his team. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Gedo and Jado by pinfall in 9:05. RATING: 67</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Riki Choshu and Harry Smith vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A match in which Choshu could have carried the whole way, the veteran insisted on letting the young Smith start. Smith's early efforts were brave, but Saito soon began to pick up steam and would work with Goto on picking apart the teenager. A desperation double clothesline on his opponents freed Smith up to get a tag off to his legendary teammate, who then took control of the match over his fellow veterans. Choshu and Goto remained as the legal men as the match began to wind down as Goto suddenly picked up a second wind and wore Choshu down into a neutral corner. An attempt at a belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner by Goto was broken up by Choshu with overhead chops as Choshu then shoved his opponent away and then stepped forward to deliver a Riki Lariat. Cover, 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Riki Choshu and Harry Smith by pinfall in 10:22. RATING: 50</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Minoru Tanaka and James Gibson vs. Black New Japan (Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai) 20-minute time limit <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.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="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> An incredibly competitive matchup from the ringing of the opening bell, each member of each team was able to showcase their talents. Tanaka and Magnum were the legal men for the early portion of the match with each man trying to gain any sort of advantage over each other to hopefully get in their respective opponent's mind ahead of their Wrestling Dontaku title match. With neither man able to get any sort of meaningful advantage, they tagged out to their respective partners. The Gibson vs. Nagai matchup went towards Nagai's way as the more experienced Nagai was able to use his skills to keep Gibson down on the mat. The resilient Gibson was soon able to make his way back to his feet and nearly was able to put the match away after a surprise Paydirt dropped Nagai's head right into the mat. The following scramble to break up the pin led to some chaos and confusion as Gibson maintained his place as the legal man while Nagai had managed to get a tag off to his stablemate. Once Magnum was in, the balance of the match had shifted as the New Japan newcomer started to beat down the American with various aerial maneuvers. Tanaka attempted to interfere in the match on Gibson's behalf, but Magnum turned his attention towards his Wrestling Dontaku opponent and kicked out Tanaka's knee before grounding him with an enzuigiri. The distraction provided Gibson with an opportunity to go for a Paydirt, but Magnum shoved him away and re-grabbed him for an Egoist Driver that connected. Tanaka attempted to scramble over to break up the pin once more, but the referee had already recorded the three-count by then. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai by pinfall in 15:09. RATING: 63</div> Post-match, Magnum and Nagai stomp away at the downed Tanaka and Gibson and clear their bodies from the ring. As the losing team begins their retreat back up the entrance path, Magnum motions for a microphone and receives one. Magnum says that in case anybody hasn't been paying attention, Black New Japan is the most dominant faction in New Japan Pro-Wrestling today across all divisions. With the end goal being to walk out with the company's three most prestigious championships by the conclusion of Wrestling Dontaku, Magnum says the time of stable's stranglehold on the company is soon to be realized. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 71</div> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii 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="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Both men engaged in tests of strengths of sorts to kick off the match with both trading forearms against each other and trying to drop the other with shoulder tackles. Nagata was the first to break through as he dragged Ishii to his knees via a side headlock and worked on cranking on his opponent's neck (despite his lack of one.) Ishii soon powered his way out of the hold much to Nagata's amusement. The match remained even for the next several minutes until Ishii started to take control. Surprising Nagata with several headbutts, Ishii dropped Nagata with several snap suplexes and then with several shoulder tackles. With his opponent beginning to lose his balance, Ishii charged for a Lariat, but Nagata's experience saw the move coming as he ducked and then dropped him with a hanging neckbreaker. Nagata toyed with Ishii as the younger competitor kept moving to get to his feet - slapping the youngster on the back of the head as he got to his feet. Ishii bravely challenged Nagata again to a test of strength with slaps to the chest being the game. The back-and-forth contest went for awhile with Nagata this time prevailing there. Nagata would begin to work through his signature closing, but Ishii's will kept pushing him to get to his feet. Ishii's will only kept him in the match for so long, however, as while he managed to miraculously kick out of a Backdrop Hold, he soon was tapping out in the center of the ring to a Nagata Lock II. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Yuji Nagata by submission in 16:01. RATING: 80</div> Ishii soon gets to his feet and recovers in the corner while rubbing his neck after being submitted with a crossface. After recovering for a bit, Ishii walks over to Nagata - who didn't leave the ring yet himself. The U-30 Challenge winner extends his hand to the match's winner. Nagata looks down at Ishii's offer, smirks, and then shoves him back down to the mat. The veteran stomps on Ishii a few times before then heading to the back. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. 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="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" /></div> While even to start off the match, Nakanishi's brute strength gave him the early advantage as he utilized his power to continuously throw Kojima down to the mat. Each time Kojima appeared to muster a charge to get back to his feet, he would be thrown back down yet again by the Japanese half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions. Nakanishi continued to keep Kojima down, but Kojima summoned an inner strength to elbow the larger man off of him as he hit a snap DDT and followed that up with a running elbow drop for a two-count. Kojima worked on the legs of Nakanishi to wear down the larger man's base, but, seeing his motivation, Nakanishi was able to slip away and turned the tables on Kojima by grounding him instead. Nakanishi slapped on a brain claw onto Kojima as Kojima struggled around in the hold and looked close to submitting at a point, but he soon managed to find a rope for the break. Nakanishi continued to strike away at Kojima's head as the resilient Kojima kept bracing for each hit. A desperation move of a kick to the knee managed to get Nakanishi off of his balance for Kojima to drop him with a running forearm. Immediately, Kojima went to the top rope and played to the crowd for a brief moment before jumping off and connecting with a diving elbow drop. Kojima then moved to pick up Nakanishi and went for a Koji Lariat - but Nakanishi ducked! Nakanishi took advantage of the moment of confusion as he hoisted Kojima onto his shoulders for a Hercules Cutter, but Kojima slipped off and then connected with his signature Lariat! Pin attempt! 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Satoshi Kojima by pinfall in 13:32. RATING: 76</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 75 TV: 4.51 (3,389,230 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>DGenerationMC: 5/6 DREAM~!: 5/6 CobheadJake: 5/6 Kijar: 3/6</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="jesseewiak" data-cite="jesseewiak" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not saying you need to sign Taue, but you need to sign Taue</div></blockquote> We'll see. Age is getting up there, but his in-ring skills are still solid.

Rogue · March 21, 2018

proudly presents...

in Matsue (Night #2)

To be held from the Matsue Colosseum Gymnasium in Matsue (Chugoku) and to be shown live on TV Asahi.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton)
30-minute time limit

'IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship'
Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Blue Wolf
60-minute time limit

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka
30-minute time limit

Akira Tozawa, Masayuki Naruse and Koji Kanemoto vs. Dick Togo, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin
20-minute time limit

Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Hiroshi Nagao and Toru Yano
20-minute time limit

Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura vs. Kazuchika Okada and Naofumi Yamamoto
20-minute time limit

Prediction Key for 'Destruction in Matsue (Night #2)'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton)

Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Blue Wolf - IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka

Akira Tozawa, Masayuki Naruse and Koji Kanemoto vs. Dick Togo, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Hiroshi Nagao and Toru Yano

Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura vs. Kazuchika Okada and Naofumi Yamamoto

TIEBREAKER MOTN and runner-up for MOTN.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling News

Inaugural IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Shiro Koshinaka has announced that he is due to retire in three months time. A three-time Junior Heavyweight champion and a former Best of the Super Juniors tournament winner, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has plans to bring Koshinaka in for what should be his retirement match at Wrestling Dontaku. Preliminary plans call for Koshinaka to participate in either a six or eight-man tag team match comprised of junior heavyweights.

Plans beyond June's Best of the Super Juniors tournament include a new pay-per-view to be held in early-July called Dominion. The show is slated to be held from Osaka, however, the venue is yet to be selected for the event.

Beyond that, New Japan plans to hold several small tour events through the month culminating in what they call the first of two 2005 editions of the 'Wrestle Summit.' In late-July, the company plans to host several members of the CMLL roster in Japan for an event that's to have a theme of 'NJPW vs. CMLL' to it. The second 'Wrestle Summit' show will be held in December as New Japan will head to the United States to hold a show that'll feature many American independent stars on it.

CobheadJake · March 21, 2018

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton) - MOTN

Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Blue Wolf - IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka (Runner-up MOTN)

Akira Tozawa, Masayuki Naruse and Koji Kanemoto vs. Dick Togo, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Hiroshi Nagao and Toru Yano

Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura vs. Kazuchika Okada and Naofumi Yamamoto

Kijar · March 22, 2018

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton)

Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Blue Wolf - IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka

Akira Tozawa, Masayuki Naruse and Koji Kanemoto vs. Dick Togo, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Hiroshi Nagao and Toru Yano

Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura vs. Kazuchika Okada and Naofumi Yamamoto

Rogue · March 27, 2018

proudly presents...

in Matsue (Night #2)

Held from the Matsue Colosseum Gymnasium in Matsue (Chugoku) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 4,700 people and shown live on TV Asahi.

Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura vs. Kazuchika Okada and Naofumi Yamamoto
20-minute time limit

The young duo of Okada and Yamamoto were able to get some decent offense in at the beginning of the match, but the veteran presence of both Makabe and Nishimura soon began to wear the both of them down. As Nishimura wore down the debuting Okada with various impact moves, Makabe threw Yamamoto into the guardrail on the outside then signaled for a tag. Once he became the legal man, it didn't take long for him to setup the young Okada with a Fisherman's Buster and score the pinfall victory.

WINNERS: Shinya Makabe and Osamu Nishimura by pinfall in 8:49.
RATING: 66

Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Hiroshi Nagao and Toru Yano
20-minute time limit

As Nagao stood to fight Fujinami and Fujita, Yano stuck around at the back and seemed to usher his teammate into fighting the opposing duo. Yano soon found himself getting thrown into the match by Fujita, who wore him down with knees in the corner while calling him a coward. Fujita's dominance over Yano prompted Yano to quickly tag out to his young lion teammate, who wasn't able to muster much of a defense against Fujita's stiff strikes. Fujita soon slipped behind the dazed Nagao and locked in a Sleeper Hold that soon put the rookie away.

WINNERS: Kazuyuki Fujita and Tatsumi Fujinami by submission in 8:26.
RATING: 62

Akira Tozawa, Masayuki Naruse and Koji Kanemoto vs. Dick Togo, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin
20-minute time limit

An even matchup through the early stages of the match, Togo and the masked veterans soon go on offense as Tozawa and Kanemoto slowly work on bringing their side back into the equation. A running senton by Togo caught only canvas as Kanemoto hit a running knee to the sitting Togo as he then tagged out to Tozawa. The youngster wowed the crowd with a missile dropkick to a rising Togo, but was unable to stop him from getting a tag off to Kashin.

Tozawa was able to get in some more quick-paced offense on Kashin, but the veteran soon began to wear him down with several holds on the ground. A surprise roll-up almost won the match for Kashin as an agitated Tozawa quickly got to his feet and kicked Kashin down before getting a tag off to Naruse.

The MMA veteran worked away at Kashin's legs and progressively began to tip the scales towards his team's favor. Naruse soon rose Kashin to his feet and swung for a Crazy Cyclone, but Kashin ducked and tied his opponent up with a Cross Armbar. Naruse's attempts to get to a rope were short-lived however as he was soon tapping out in the center of the ring as his teammates were kept at bay.

WINNERS: Kendo Kashin, Dick Togo and El Samurai by submission in 14:52.
RATING: 61

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka
30-minute time limit

Tanahashi and Ibushi utilized their agility to the best of their abilities to grab an early control of the match over the slower, more lumbering duo of Yasuda and Iizuka. An attempt at a flying forearm by Ibushi was caught by Iizuka, however, as he drove the New Japan newcomer down to the mat with a heavy slam. That opening provided Iizuka the opportunity to tag out to Yasuda - who began to work on Ibushi on the ground.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion had the young Ibushi locked in to a backbreaker rack and was about to slam him down to the mat until Ibushi slipped out and hit Yasuda with a Tornado DDT. With the opportunity to win presenting itself, Tanahashi received a tag and then took out a rising Yasuda with a running forearm and then several elbow drops in a row.

Iizuka attempted to interfere in the match, but would be taken out by a flying forearm from Ibushi as Tanahashi locked in a Texas Cloverleaf on Yasuda. It wasn't much longer beyond that Tanahashi soon picked up a submission victory for his team.

WINNERS: Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi by submission in 9:59.
RATING: 82

'IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship'
Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Blue Wolf
60-minute time limit

Nakamura attempted to slip away from the larger Wolf's powerful offense in the early stages of the match, but the challenger was able to snare the champion and would launch him with a exploder suplex to start his attack on the ground. Nakamura was quickly able to make his way back to his feet again and again resorted to his strategy of keeping distance from the challenger, but Wolf would continue to close the gap and drive the champion to the mat.

Nakamura would continuously fight his way back to his feet and would keep Wolf down for an extended period of time following a quick double knee backbreaker. A diving knee drop from the top rope nearly gave Nakamura the win, but the resilient Wolf just got a shoulder up to keep himself alive. The champion then went to the top rope and leapt off for a moonsault attempt, but only caught the mat as Wolf had rolled out of the way and then picked up the grounded Nakamura for a reverse exploder suplex.

A follow-up attempt with a lariat by Wolf led to Nakamura trapping him in a Cross Armbar. Wolf struggled around for a rope and was able to use his strength to crawl to one and achieve a rope break. As Wolf started to stumble to his feet, Nakamura waited and then charged out of a turnbuckle to hit Wolf with a running knee, but was caught and sent into the mat with a thunderous powerbomb! Wolf makes the cover!

1...

2...

No! Nakamura just managed to get a shoulder up!

Wolf then signaled that the end of the match was near as he laid into Nakamura with some boots and then went for a Mongol Slam, but Nakamura rolled through instead for a rollup pin for a near fall. Nakamura immediately recovered to his feet and laid Wolf out with a stiff kick to the chest. Nakamura then quickly went to the ropes and connected with a springboard moonsault right into a cover and the win.

WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by pinfall in 13:50.
Shinsuke Nakamura retains the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. (Defense #2)
RATING: 75

Nakamura motioned for a microphone following the conclusion of the match and receives both one and his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship belt. Nakamura briefly praises Blue Wolf for giving him a competitive fight, but then immediately turns his attention elsewhere.

Nakamura says that it's been no secret that himself and Hiroshi Tanahashi have not seen eye-to-eye ever since Wrestling World 2005, and he says that stems from Tanahashi's jealousy at being beaten by him in the event's main event. While Nakamura has now bested Blue Wolf and Tomohiro Ishii in title defenses, he says Tanahashi's spot in line for a shot at the title has not come up yet.

That being said, he's ready to put this little feud of theirs to rest and says that he wants to go up against Tanahashi at Wrestling Dontaku - but, there's a catch - he'll only do so in a tag team matchup where each man can pick a wrestler of their choice to be their partner. Nakamura says that if he wants to beat him so bad, accept his terms and they will fight it out at Wrestling Dontaku.

RATING: 85

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Black New Japan (Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton)
30-minute time limit

A bit of back and forth went on between Chono and Norton to see who would start the match for the Black New Japan side as Tenzan immediately stepped into the ring. Chono ordered Norton to start off the match as the American was easily taken down by the IWGP Heavyweight champion and began to get picked apart while downed. A cheap shot by an entering Chono forced the ref to get involved and order him back onto the apron, allowing Norton to get in a cheap poke to the eyes of the champion, break free, and get to Chono for the tag.

Chono worked on brutalizing Tenzan with several strong blows to the back of the neck and the head, but Tenzan was soon able to shake them off and suplexed his Wrestling Dontaku challenger down to the mat. A tag out to Sasaki kept the momentum up for Tenzan's team as he continued to keep Chono down with a variety of suplexes and slams. Chono was able to counter one slam though and soon brought Sasaki down to the mat with a spinning heel kick.

The Black New Japan team efficiently tagged in and out to keep each other fresh and began to setup for the finish of the match as Norton swung at a now legal Tenzan with a Lariat. The IWGP Heavyweight champ ducked, however, and dropped Norton with a cutter. With Tenzan tied up with attempting to pin his teammate, Chono entered the ring and then charged at the champion for a Shining Yakuza Kick, but Tenzan managed to dodge the kick and then drop the New Japan Cup winner with a belly-to-back suplex and then roll him out of the ring.

Tenzan tagged out to Sasaki as both men waited for Norton to get to his feet. Several mongolian chops to the IWGP Tag champion softened him up for Sasaki to pick him up and deliver a Northern Lights Bomb for the cover and the victory.

WINNERS: Kensuke Sasaki and Hiroyoshi Tenzan by pinfall in 16:44.
RATING: 78

SHOW RATING: 78

TV: 4.47 (3,354,900 Viewers)

CobheadJake: 5/6
Kijar: 4/6

Rogue · March 27, 2018

Destruction in Takamatsu (Night #1)
Held in the Takamatsu People's Center in Takamatsu (Shikoku) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,600 people.

Tomohiro Ishii, Harry Smith and Blue Wolf defeated Akiya Anzawa, Hiroshi Nagao and Kazuchika Okada in 8:24 (Pinfall, Lariat) 50

Tiger Mask IV and Puma defeated Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO in 9:44 (Pinfall, Detonation Kick) 47

Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Toru Yano in 8:38 (Submission, Cobra Twist) 49

Shinya Makabe and Tadao Yasuda defeated Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto in 10:47 (Pinfall, Fisherman Buster) 57

Minoru Tanaka defeated Hirooki Goto in 11:37 (Submission, Minoru Special) 65

Post-match, the Black New Japan duo of Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai ambush Tanaka and lay him out in the center of the ring. Goto catches this as he heads back up towards the backstage area and runs back to the ring to run the pair off. 50

Koji Kanemoto defeated Kota Ibushi in 13:41 (Submission, Ankle Hold) 65

Brock Lesnar defeated Riki Choshu in 12:37 (Submission, Brock Lock) 78

SHOW RATING: 72

proudly presents...

in Takamatsu (Night #2)

To be held from the Takamatsu Gymnasium in Takamatsu (Shikoku) and to be shown live on TV Asahi.

Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono
30-minute time limit

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka
30-minute time limit

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Osamu Nishimura
30-minute time limit

Akira Tozawa and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo and Jado
20-minute time limit

El Samurai vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
20-minute time limit

Dick Togo and James Gibson vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue
20-minute time limit

Prediction Key for Destruction in Takamatsu (Night #2)

Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono
Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Osamu Nishimura
Akira Tozawa and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo and Jado
El Samurai vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Dick Togo and James Gibson vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

CobheadJake · March 28, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Osamu Nishimura

Akira Tozawa and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo and Jado

El Samurai vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

Kijar · March 28, 2018

Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono

Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Osamu Nishimura

Akira Tozawa and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo and Jado

El Samurai vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Ryusuke Taguchi and GENTARO vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue

Rogue · April 4, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... <img alt="r0znoK0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r0znoK0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in Takamatsu (Night #2) Held from the Takamatsu Gymnasium in Takamatsu (Shikoku) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 5,000 people 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;">Dick Togo and James Gibson vs. Katsushi Takemura and Wataru Inoue 20-minute time limit <img alt="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4WYk3vx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4WYk3vx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gXGrjKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gXGrjKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Both teams tried to implement some sneaky heelish tactics throughout the early portions of the match with Inoue being the only one who really kept it clean through the opening. With that, Inoue's clean method tipped the match in his favor in the early going as he managed to consistently keep Gibson and Togo down on the mat. Togo and Gibson soon began to fight back and began to wear down Inoue, who then tagged out to Takemura. A poke to the eye by Togo opened up a window for his team to go for a finish, but Togo's shot at a Diving Senton missed, allowing Takemura to get in some offense before Togo slipped a tag out to Gibson. Gibson suffered through some of Takemura's offense before getting a spark of adrenaline as he started to light up Takemura with some strikes. An attempt at a high kick by Takemura was met with a counter of Gibson delivering a spinebuster before picking up Takemura and planting him with Paydirt. Gibson covered for the pin and picked up the win as Togo held up Inoue from entering the ring while on the outside. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: James Gibson and Dick Togo by pinfall in 9:47. RATING: 50</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">El Samurai vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 20-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A test of strength at the opening of the matchup kept the match at an even level for its opening moments, until El Samurai took down the U-30 Openweight champion with a side headlock and kept him on the ground. Nakamura soon worked his way back to his feet and shook off the early offense from his masked opponent, moving to use some flashy-looking offense to attempt to get Samurai off of his feet. El Samurai's experience would come into play late as he was able to dodge Nakamura's reckless attacks and began to progress through his signature offense, going all the way to almost trap and drop Nakamura with a Samurai Bomb, but Nakamura managed to reverse it into a Shining Triangle! Nakamura was able to get away with one today as Samurai soon submitted to the hold. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by submission in 12:16. RATING: 75</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;">Akira Tozawa and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo and Jado 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="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.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="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" /></div> An interesting contrast of experience was fully on display in the early stages of this bout as Gedo and Jado worked to pick apart their younger opponents, but Tozawa and Taguchi were able to evade their attacks. Tozawa took advantage with a surprise leaping enzuigiri on Jado and began his attack on the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag champion. Tozawa's momentum continued in the match and carried over to Taguchi as well when he was tagged in. Taguchi's efforts at offense were short-lived compared to his partner's as Jado began to fight back and then dropped Taguchi with a stiff lariat. Tag out to Gedo had Gedo immediately go for a Superkick, but Taguchi ducked and tagged out to Tozawa. The match remained even between Gedo and Tozawa with both men surprising the other with a burst of offense before a mistake handed control of the match back to the other. Eventually, both men tagged out again to their respective partner with Taguchi and Jado staying even until several chops from Jado put the match in his favor. Tozawa attempted to bail out his teammate, but his halted by Gedo as they soon brawled on the floor. A Backdrop Hold from Jado finished off Taguchi just shy of the 12-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Jado and Gedo by pinfall in 11:37. RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Osamu Nishimura 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="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div> An exchange of wrestling takedowns and counters were on display early in the matchup as Nishimura's technical expertise was utilized to keep Tanahashi grounded on the mat. Attempts by Tanahashi to get back to his feet were thwarted by Nishimura as he consistently was able to trip up the former U-30 Openweight champ by keeping him off of both feet. A figure-four by Nishimura was slipped out of by Tana as both competitors got to their feet. Tanahashi's strategy then visibly changed as he kept his distance away from Nishimura, who continued trying to shoot in with various dives at a takedown. Tanahashi would eventually catch his opponent with a knee and would keep him down with a moonsault from the top rope that nearly resulted in a pinfall. Nishimura fought his way back into the match, but Tanahashi was prepared for Nishimura's skill this time as he was able to counter a leglock into a Cloverleaf! Nishimura's struggle to get to the ropes nearly paid off, but Tanahashi would drag him back to the center of the ring on each attempt. Soon, Nishimura found himself tapping out to the finisher. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroshi Tanahashi by submission in 12:41. RATING: 79</div> Tanahashi grabs a microphone post-match and thanks the fans in attendance for their support. Tanahashi quickly turns his attention toward's Shinsuke Nakamura's challenge to a tag team matchup at Wrestling Dontaku from Matsue earlier in the month. Tana says that he's never one to back down from a challenge and accepts Nakamura's challenge. He doesn't pause for long when getting to the announcement as to who his partner will be, stating that he will team with Tomohiro Ishii. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 90</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;">Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka 30-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="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" /><img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A slugfest between the two teams, each competitor fell back on beating each other with strikes in attempts to wear their respective opponents down. Whether this was done out of strategy or done out of pride, who knows? The team of Tenzan and Fujita went on the attack in the early goings of the match with Tenzan wearing down the opposing team while standing as Fujita's tendencies began to take the match down to the mat. Nakanishi fought his way back to his feet and took advantage of his size over Fujita by dropping him with clubbing blows and various slams with the momentum carrying over to Iizuka once he tagged in as well. The balance of the match shifted once more once Tenzan entered the ring as the IWGP Heavyweight champion chopped away at Iizuka, leading up to a headbutt into a running splash combination. Nakanishi interfered in the matchup and distracted the champion, allowing Iizuka to claw at Tenzan's eyes and then go on the attack. Tenzan was able to block some of Iizuka's moves and stunned his opponent with a european uppercut before tagging out to Fujita. Fujita dodged a clothesline attempt and locked in a Sleeper Hold, quickly breaking it to dispose of Nakanishi with a dodge and then a spinebuster. Fujita went back to work on Iizuka with a Sleeper then modified into a Rear Naked Choke on the ground in a move that soon delivered his team the victory. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Kazuyuki Fujita and Hiroyoshi Tenzan by submission in 13:36. RATING: 83</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Satoshi Kojima vs. Masahiro Chono 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="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" /></div> Chono grabbed the early advantage of the match and soon developed an overconfident nature to his attacks, yelling at a downed Kojima to get back to his feet. The New Japan Cup winner periodically yelled towards the camera and towards the entrance area threats towards Tenzan as he continued to decimate the champion's friends with strikes to the back of the neck. Kojima soon began to fight back as he chopped Chono into a corner and continued to lay his rapid-fire chops into Chono's chest. A shove from Chono didn't do much as Kojima charged back in with a leaping knee to the chin as Kojima began to lay the quick chops into Chono once again. The battle soon progressed into a back-and-forth backhand chopfest in the center of the ring with Chono then going back on the attack after hitting a quick knee to Kojima's abdomen. The match then progressed to the ground as Chono wore away at Kojima's knees. Combining both offensive maneuvers with a chance to catch his breath, Chono was caught by surprise on the ground as Kojima pulled him into a rear naked choke, but Chono somehow managed to roll out of it. Chono's attempts at stomps to the downed Kojima missed as Kojima rolled out of the way and then tackled Chono with a spear. Kojima went up to the top rope and leapt off for a diving elbow drop that connected - but only for a two-count. Several suplexes and DDTs later, Kojima again went for a pin, but still couldn't seal the win for himself. Kojima went for the finish once more with a Kojima Cutter from the top rope, but Chono elbowed him away and hit a flying knee to the back of Kojima's head! Stunned, Kojima slowly got back to his feet as Chono pounced with a Yakuza Kick. The #1 contender then yelled taunts towards Tenzan towards the camera again, telling the champion 'I know you're watching. Watch this.' Chono then raised Kojima to his feet again and hit a Shining Yakuza Kick to put away his opponent. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 16:28. RATING: 78</div> Chono posed with his foot on top of Kojima's chest as the ringside attendants then slowly got the losing competitor's body out of the ring and helped him to the back. Chono then (forcefully) grabbed a microphone from ringside. The Black New Japan leader said there's only one thing that matters in life, and that is power. The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is the most prestigious championship in professional wrestling today, Chono says, and that whoever holds it is nothing short of the most powerful man in the sport. Chono says he's held this power only once before and merely got a taste of the rewards of holding it seven years ago. For seven years, he's dreamed of getting back to the top of the pedestal in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and the dreams are within grasp of becoming a reality. Chono then caps his promo off by saying that at Wrestling Dontaku, Black New Japan will reign supreme. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 90</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 79 TV: 4.55</div> So, I realize I totally botched the prediction key as I was finishing up the main event. No more posting prediction keys/shows in the early morning. But, of the matches that I listed correctly... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>CobheadJake: 4/5 Kijar: 4/5</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 Pro-Wrestling News</div> <ul><li> During the past two Destruction stops at Matsue and Takamatsu, several additions to the Wrestling Dontaku card were announced. In a post-match press conference after defeating Riki Choshu in the first night in Takamatsu, Brock Lesnar laid out a challenge to the legendary Tatsumi Fujinami. We've since learned that Fujinami has accepted the matchup. </li><li> Also added to the card was a match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships with Negro Casas and Felino (Team CMLL) selecting Tiger Mask and Puma to be the first challengers for their newly-won belts. </li><li> Regarding the scheduled tag bout between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii against Shinsuke Nakamura and a partner of his choosing, Nakamura's rumored partner is reportedly not a member of the New Japan roster. Rumors indicate that he will team with a current well-known member of an existing Japanese promotion to increase the hype of the match, but a name hasn't been given yet. </li><li> Two televised nights of the Destruction Tour are left ahead of Wrestling Dontaku, with the second night in Osaka set to be broadcasted next from the Osaka Gymnasium. Slated to be the main event will be TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura with a bout for the IWGP Tag Team Titles being the co-main event with Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi defending against Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita. </li><li> The final stop of the Destruction Tour will be a one night stand in Tokyo as the series will conclude at the famed Korakuen Hall. Scheduled to be the main event of the night will be a non-title singles match between Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Minoru Tanaka. </li><li> With the Best of the Super Juniors tournament set to get underway in a month, the 16-man roster for the tournament is being set in stone with the blocks still yet to be determined. New Japan intends on utilizing a more homegrown roster for the tournament this year with only one outsider - free agent Gamma - being recruited for the upcoming tournament. </li></ul></div></blockquote>

Rogue · April 5, 2018

Destruction in Osaka (Night #1)
Held in the Osaka Biki Colosseum in Osaka (Kinki) in front of a sold out crowd of 2,000 people.

Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto defeated Blue Wolf and Toru Yano in 10:02 (Pinfall, Senton Bomb) 47

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Hirooki Goto defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO in 12:15 (Submission, Samurai Clutch) 51

Riki Choshu and Harry Smith defeated Hiroshi Nagao and Kazuchika Okada in 9:06 (Pinfall, Riki Lariat) 54

Dick Togo and James Gibson defeated Masayuki Naruse and Akiya Anzawa in 10:52 (Pinfall, Double-Underhook Facebuster) 61

NON-TITLE: Minoru Tanaka defeated Mitsuya Nagai in 16:21 (Submission, Minoru Special) 70

Shinya Makabe defeated Takashi Iizuka in 17:30 (Pinfall, Fisherman Buster) 72

Yuji Nagata runs into the ring and beats down Makabe. Nagata grabs a microphone and says that he wants to get his revenge for being embarrassed by Makabe in the first round of the New Japan Cup by destroying him at Wrestling Dontaku. 81

SHOW RATING: 70

proudly presents...

in Osaka (Night #2)

Scheduled to be held from the Osaka Gymnasium and to be shown live on TV Asahi.

TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura
30-minute time limit

'IWGP Tag Team Championships'
Black New Japan © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita
60-minute time limit

Tadao Yasuda vs. Yuji Nagata
30-minute time limit

'Best of the Super Juniors Showcase'
Koji Kanemoto vs. Gamma
20-minute time limit

'Best of the Super Juniors Showcase'
Tiger Mask IV vs. Akira Tozawa
20-minute time limit

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi vs. Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Osamu Nishimura
20-minute time limit

Prediction Key for 'Destruction in Osaka (Night #2)'

TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura

Black New Japan © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita - IWGP Tag Team Championships

Tadao Yasuda vs. Yuji Nagata

Koji Kanemoto vs. Gamma

Tiger Mask IV vs. Akira Tozawa

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi vs. Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Osamu Nishimura

TIEBREAKER: MOTN and runner-up MOTN

I swear, the key's right this time.

CobheadJake · April 5, 2018

TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura - MOTN

Black New Japan © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita - IWGP Tag Team Championships - Runner-up MOTN

Tadao Yasuda vs. Yuji Nagata

Koji Kanemoto vs. Gamma

Tiger Mask IV vs. Akira Tozawa

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi vs. Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Osamu Nishimura

Kijar · April 5, 2018

TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura - Runner UP MOTN

Black New Japan © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita - IWGP Tag Team Championships - MOTN

Tadao Yasuda vs. Yuji Nagata

Koji Kanemoto vs. Gamma

Tiger Mask IV vs. Akira Tozawa

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi vs. Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Osamu Nishimura

Rogue · April 10, 2018

NOTE: Trying to tinker with the design a bit with some influence coming from both joemurphy and DREAM~!'s designs with the borders. Also, working on streamlining these smaller shows a bit better.

=====

in Osaka (Night #2)

Held from the Osaka Gymnasium in front of a sold out crowd of 3,130 people in Osaka (Kinki) and shown live on TV Asahi.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi vs. Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Osamu Nishimura

20-minute time limit

Nishimura was able to keep his team in the match in the early stages of the match, but not for long as the trio of Tanahashi, Ishii and Ibushi soon began to overpower them. Tanahashi and Ishii did most of the legwork for their side, but let Ibushi get the win for them with a surprise submission victory over Takemura by an ankle lock with a grapevine.

WINNERS: Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii by submission in 12:10.

RATING: 70

</div>

'Best of the Super Juniors Showcase'

Tiger Mask IV vs. Akira Tozawa

20-minute time limit

Each competitor utilized a different style throughout the matchup, with the veteran Tiger Mask taking a more disciplined approach while the young Tozawa wasn't afraid to take to the skies with high-risk maneuvers. This paid off for Tozawa in the early stages of the match, but he soon found himself getting burned by Tiger Mask's expertise on the ground.

Tozawa found himself in a particularly vulnerable position after crashing and burning after missing a diving headbutt, prompting Tiger Mask to pounce with a crossface. Unable to get his opponent to submit, Tiger Mask then raised Tozawa back up to his feet for a Tiger Suplex. Tozawa's attempts to escape from the hold prior to the slam were successful for only a fleeting moment as his opponent would quickly retrieve him and slam him to the mat with a pin attached to the move.

WINNER: Tiger Mask by pinfall in 14:26.

RATING: 73

</div>

'Best of the Super Juniors Showcase'

Koji Kanemoto vs. Gamma

20-minute time limit

The pace of the match progressively built over time as Kanemoto took the early advantage over the debuting Gamma. Gamma's attempts to break free and unleash a quick-paced offense on Kanemoto were short-lived as the veteran and former two-time Best of the Super Juniors winner was able to wrestle Gamma back down to the mat.

Once Gamma did break free, he put on a clinic against Kanemoto with his arsenal of quick suplexes and lighting-fast kicks were able to stun the veteran. Kanemoto soon caught on, however, as he was able to trip up the independent star and lock in an Ankle Hold.

Gamma miraculously escaped from one of Kanemoto's signature submission maneuvers as he rocked Kanemoto with a shining wizard. An attempt at a follow-up with a Gamma Special was thwarted by Kanemoto as he was able to slip out, surprise Gamma with an elbow to the back of the head and then plant him with a Dragon Suplex Hold for the win - making a statement heading into next month's tournament.

WINNER: Koji Kanemoto by pinfall in 14:02.

RATING: 71

</div>

Tadao Yasuda vs. Yuji Nagata

30-minute time limit

A hard-hitting contest from the ringing of the opening bell, Nagata was out to prove his worthiness for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championshipw while Yasuda was looking for a strong effort to rocket him back up the card. Yasuda would hold his own against his fellow former heavyweight champ and former title rival, but Nagata would pull away with a high knee into the corner right into a Nagata Lock II. Yasuda put up a valiant defense on the ground while in the hold, but soon found himself tapping out in the center of the ring.

WINNER: Yuji Nagata by submission in 11:58.

RATING: 76

After the match, Nagata clears Yasuda's body from the ring as he grabs a microphone. He simply says that he's ready for his next shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and declares that he has the first shot at whoever wins at Wrestling Dontaku - whether it be Hiroyoshi Tenzan or Masahiro Chono. Just as Nagata goes to hand the microphone back...

Shinya Makabe rushes the ring and starts lighting up Nagata with various punches! Makabe's quest for revenge after his beatdown by Nagata the night before turned into a back-and-forth strikefest between the two heavyweights as Makabe then threw Nagata over the top rope. Nagata went to rush back into the ring, but then chose to slowly retreat up the ramp as Makabe hurled insults his way before pumping up the crowd.

RATING: 79

</div>

'IWGP Tag Team Championships'

Black New Japan © vs. Tatsumi Fujinami and Kazuyuki Fujita

60-minute time limit

A stiff striking contest led off the match with all four competitors getting their shots in. The intensity and sheer physicality of the matchup didn't subside as the bout truly got underway with each man getting a chance to lay into their respective opponent with punches, chops and elbows. Fujita's amateur wrestling prowess soon came into play as he was the first one to truly take the match to the ground.

Norton was able to power out of Fujita's holds and soon began to swat away his attempts at takedowns before tagging out to Nakanishi. Nakanishi used his size advantage to take control of the match and soon fought his way towards sealing the win with a Hercules Cutter on Fujinami, but he slipped off of his shoulders and hit a surprise Dragon Suplex! The following pin attempt was broken by Norton as both teams squared off again in an even encounter.

Norton and Nakanishi's established chemistry as a team soon started tipping the scales towards their favor as both implemented some new double teams on Fujinami to clear from the ring, prompting both men to beat up on the legal Fujita. A Lariat from Norton connected as Nakanishi then picked up Fujita and dropped him to the mat with a Hercules Cutter to deliver the Black New Japan team their first title defense.

WINNERS: Black New Japan by pinfall in 13:01.

Manabu Nakanishi and Scott Norton retain the IWGP Tag Team Championships. (Defense #1)

RATING: 66

</div>

TenKoji vs. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura

30-minute time limit

The chemistry between Tenzan and Kojima was evident from the start as their efficiency as a unit was able to keep Chono and Nakamura separated from each other. Choosing to gang up on the younger Nakamura, both Tenzan and Kojima kept the IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion down as they would constantly keep each other fresh by tagging in and out in quick succession.

Nakamura's agility soon came into play as he slipped away from an attacking Tenzan and threw him into a corner. A running high knee into the corner prompted Nakamura to then tag out to Chono, who then went to work on his Wrestling Dontaku opponent. Chono would only hold an advantage for so long as Tenzan began to fight back. Tenzan chopped his way back to the center of the ring, leading to both Wrestling Dontaku opponents staring each other down and then starting a back and forth striking contest.

Kojima and Nakamura intervened on their respective partners behalf, briefly sending the match into a state of chaos as the referee took a bit to regain control of the match. Once order was restored, Kojima and Nakamura tagged in as the legal men. After this had happened, Chono dropped from the apron and ran to the opposite corner around the ringside mat, a move that Tenzan spotted from a mile away. As Tenzan and Chono continued their fight on the outside, Kojima and Nakamura fought away in the ring.

Kojima had Nakamura on the ropes, but a quick knee to the stomach by Nakamura opened Kojima up for a Landslide attempt that connected. Kojima just managed to kick out of the finisher as both men slowly got to their feet at the same pace. Kojima delivered several backhand chops before running to the ropes for a clothesline attempt but was caught up in a Cross Armbar from Nakamura! Kojima scrambled around for a rope, but found no such relief as he soon tapped out to the pressure.

WINNERS: Shinsuke Nakamura and Masahiro Chono by submission in 23:20.

RATING: 80

Kojima is helped out of the ring as Nakamura poses with his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship as Tenzan and Chono are nowhere in sight.

Nakamura takes a microphone and wonders aloud if the crowd has been wondering just who his partner at Wrestling Dontaku will be. Nakamura says that he has scouted the land and realized that his partner for the pay-per-view needed to be somebody on his level and needed to be a star in their own right. Nakamura says that as he's an international superstar in the making, he needed somebody else who also dabbled in wrestling overseas.

Nakamura contrasts that with Hiroshi Tanahashi's pick for the match - Tomohiro Ishii. Nakamura laughs off the challenge from both men as he says beating Tanahashi at Wrestling World was a given and beating Ishii at the New Japan Cup Final was nothing but ease. He states Tanahashi is an even bigger fool than he previously thought thinking Ishii would be a worthy partner for a match of this level.

Building up the suspense somewhat, Nakamura concludes by saying that he's going to enjoy defeating Tanahashi once more and finally announces that at Wrestling Dontaku it will be Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shinsuke Nakamura... and TAKA Michinoku.

RATING: 80

</div>

SHOW RATING: 78

TV: 4.53 (3,398,900)

Kijar: 5/6
CobheadJake: 4/6

New Japan Pro-Wrestling News

There evidently is a curse with the IWGP Tag Team Championships. In injury news, Scott Norton has developed ankle tendonitis exiting his title defense with Manabu Nakanishi against Kazuyuki Fujita and Tatsumi Fujinami at Osaka's closing Destruction event. It does not appear that this will be a condition which will be going away anytime soon, so it's a wonder as to how long the belts will remain on the Black New Japan duo.

Riki Choshu has announced that he plans to completely retire from in-ring action within the next three months. With that, New Japan officials plan to hold an official retirement show for the legend in the month of July, likely at the end of the month right before the G1 Climax kicks off.

Rogue · April 11, 2018

proudly presents...

in Tokyo

Scheduled to be held from the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo (Kanto) and shown live on TV Asahi.

'Special Non-Title Singles Match'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Tanaka

30-minute time limit

Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Brock Lesnar and Black New Japan

30-minute time limit

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka

20-minute time limit

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. Dick Togo and James Gibson

20-minute time limit

El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

20-minute time limit

Masahiro Chono and Yuji Nagata vs. Blue Wolf and Hiroshi Nagao

20-minute time limit

Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO vs. Gedo, Jado, Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Gamma

15-minute time limit

Shinsuke Nakamura and Shinya Makabe vs. Harry Smith and Kazuchika Okada

15-minute time limit

</div>

Pre-Event Press Conference Highlights

Riki Choshu had an extended availability with the press and touched on his upcoming retirement. He said that he intends to have a special singles match at Dominion in early-July before capping his career off at the retirement show to be dedicated to his legacy. In terms of opponents, he says he would prefer to have his two last singles matches against one of the many wrestlers he has trained over the years and the other to be against a longtime rival of his.
Brock Lesnar didn't demonstrate much patience with the press in attendance, snapping at them to hurry up with their questions or else he'd leave. When asked what his future path towards a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship is, Lesnar says that he's already requested to have a singles match at Wrestling Dontaku and another at Dominion to showcase his talents and prove that he has what it takes to challenge for the title. He talks down about Yuji Nagata's mere claim to the #1 contendership and says that he hasn't done anything worth warranting such a shot. When asked who he would rather face for the title - Tenzan, Chono or even Nagata - he said it didn't matter who he faced, the title's going home with him regardless.
Minoru Tanaka had a chance to hype up the upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament and took it. Already the most dominant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion of all time in terms of defenses, Tanaka says a BoSJ trophy would go quite well with the honors already bestowed upon him. When the fact that the sitting Junior Heavyweight champion hadn't won the tournament in over a decade, Tanaka quickly shot that they simply weren't good enough.

</div>

Prediction Key for Destruction in Tokyo

'Special Non-Title Singles Match'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Tanaka

Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Brock Lesnar and Black New Japan

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. Dick Togo and James Gibson

El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Masahiro Chono and Yuji Nagata vs. Blue Wolf and Hiroshi Nagao

Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO vs. Gedo, Jado, Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Gamma

Shinsuke Nakamura and Shinya Makabe vs. Harry Smith and Kazuchika Okada

===

TIEBREAKER: MotN and runner-up MotN

CobheadJake · April 11, 2018

'Special Non-Title Singles Match'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Tanaka - MOTN

Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Brock Lesnar and Black New Japan

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. Dick Togo and James Gibson

El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Masahiro Chono and Yuji Nagata vs. Blue Wolf and Hiroshi Nagao - Runner-up MOTN

Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO vs. Gedo, Jado, Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Gamma

Shinsuke Nakamura and Shinya Makabe vs. Harry Smith and Kazuchika Okada

===

TIEBREAKER: MotN and runner-up MotN

Kijar · April 11, 2018

That injury to Flash is a huuuuuuuge bummer. Absolutely love the guy.

'Special Non-Title Singles Match'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Tanaka -MOTN

Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Brock Lesnar and Black New Japan

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka -hmm.. Runner Up MOTN

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. Dick Togo and James Gibson

El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Masahiro Chono and Yuji Nagata vs. Blue Wolf and Hiroshi Nagao

Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO vs. Gedo, Jado, Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Gamma

Shinsuke Nakamura and Shinya Makabe vs. Harry Smith and Kazuchika Okada

Bright future on the other side of the ring though

Rogue · April 17, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"> <img alt="r0znoK0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r0znoK0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> in Tokyo Held from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo (Kanto) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,205 people and shown live on TV Asahi.</div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Shinsuke Nakamura and Shinya Makabe vs. Harry Smith and Kazuchika Okada 15-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="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.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="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XuVKSak.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XuVKSak.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Certainly not an even matchup, the team of Nakamura and Makabe overpowered their younger opponents for the duration of the match. Okada was able to put up a brave defense for a brief period, but ultimately fell victim to a German Suplex Hold from Makabe for the loss just after the five-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Shinya Makabe and Shinsuke Nakamura by pinfall in 6:35. RATING: 60</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO vs. Gedo, Jado, Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and Gamma 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="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rvKe7iL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvKe7iL.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="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="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="ZOOyXcb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZOOyXcb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The veteran presence of Gedo, Jado and Nishimura led the way for their respective teams, although all 10 competitors were able to get in even amounts of offense and showcase their talents. Ibushi and Tozawa's high-flying efforts tipped the match in their favor early on, but the seasoned chemistry of Gedo and Jado soon brought them back to earth. Nishimura brought the match back in his team's favor with his technical expertise, but the fresh pair of Takemura and Inoue soon began to wear him down. With some rest on the outside allowing them to catch their breath, Ibushi and Tozawa each exchanged tags to keep each other fresh and take Takemura and Inoue out with their quick-paced arsenal. A Diving Senton from Tozawa on Takemura was able to seal the deal just prior to the 13-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Akira Tozawa, Kota Ibushi, Osamu Nishimura, Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO by pinfall in 12:53. RATING: 58</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Masahiro Chono and Yuji Nagata vs. Blue Wolf and Hiroshi Nagao 20-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="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="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" /></div> Before the match even got underway, there was a bit of apprehension between Chono and Nagata as the two kept their eye on each other before electing to have Chono start the match. At times, it was almost comical the hesitation both men showed towards each other with a potential Dominion matchup on the horizon should Chono successfully win the IWGP Heavyweight title at Wrestling Dontaku. The two main eventers were quickly able to get over it as Nagata soon found himself pinning the young lion Nagao following a Wrist-Clutch Exploder. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Yuji Nagata and Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 8:25. RATING: 74</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO 20-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="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" /></div> The established chemistry between Samurai and Kashin gave them the early advantage in the match, but the sheer talent of Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO soon brought the match back to an even level. Kanemoto kept the match down on the ground and would successfully fend off attempts by his masked opponents to get back to their feet. The legal Kashin was soon able to kick Kanemoto away from an Ankle Hold as both men tagged out. Samurai and Magnum turned out to be another even affair as both competitors had an effective counter for the other's offense. Minoru Tanaka's Wrestling Dontaku challenger was soon able to gain an advantage with a snap dragon suplex that left Samurai dazed. Samurai was able to mount enough of a counter-attack to tag out to Kashin as Magnum continued his momentum against Kashin. After a few minutes of going back-and-forth, Kashin was able to slip out of a Egoist Driver attempt by Magnum, but was unable to duck a follow-up Lariat from Magnum that sealed the match. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Magnum TOKYO and Koji Kanemoto by pinfall in 13:16. RATING: 71</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. Dick Togo and James Gibson 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="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Starting off the match were Gibson and Puma, with the Ring of Honor veteran wearing down his masked opponent. An early attempt at Paydirt was countered by Puma with a shove and a spinning wheel kick opened up an opportunity to tag out to Tiger Mask. Once Tiger Mask was the legal man, he started to go on the attack and was able to successfully wear down the American. A double-underhook suplex almost delivered an early victory for the masked veteran, but a kick from Dick Togo broke up the pin. A flying crossbody from Puma soon took out the Japanese veteran out as Tiger Mask worked to finish the match off with a Tiger Suplex, but Gibson slipped out and nearly countered with Paydirt but Tiger countered himself with a northern lights suplex that, once again, just missed on the pinfall. As Puma kept Togo at bay on the outside, Tiger Mask went for another Tiger Suplex and was able to hit the move this time right into a pin and the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tiger Mask IV and Puma by pinfall in 11:12. RATING: 68 <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> Puma returned to the ring after the three-count to celebrate with his tag partner. As the referee raised both masked competitors' hands, both were clobbered from behind by the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team champions. The beatdown by Negro Casas and Felino continued until they made sure neither Tiger Mask or Puma would get back to their feet. After gloating to the crowd by raising their title belts, both attackers retreated to the back. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 48</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tadao Yasuda and Takashi Iizuka 20-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="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="8YZiVih.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8YZiVih.jpg?1" 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> Yasuda and Iizuka used their size advantage to keep the younger duo of Tanahashi and Ishii down early on in the match, but Tanahashi's agility clawed his side back to an even matchup and eventually to a point where both he and his partner were in control. Yasuda kept his side afloat for a bit, but after taking a flying forearm from Tanahashi, the match went back completely to Tana and Ishii's side. Tanahashi tagged out to Ishii to close out the match as he dropped Iizuka's attempts to interfere with a Lariat before dropping Yasuda with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster for the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi by pinfall in 12:59. RATING: 84</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Brock Lesnar and Black New Japan 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="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.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" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Fujinami, Choshu and Fujita's strategy from the start was to target Norton's legs. Wisely, Norton tagged out to Nakanishi, who began to fight back for his already-smarting tag team partner. Nakanishi focused his attention on the aged Fujinami and Choshu, keeping each of them down while they each took turns as the legal man for their team. Fujinami soon tagged out to Fujita, leading to a shoving contest between both Fujita and Nakanishi in a battle that the fresh Fujita ultimately won out on. Nakanishi was subject to a battering from Fujita with the ex-MMA fighter wearing the IWGP Tag Team champion down with elbows and knees while he was grounded. A desperation spinebuster by Nakanishi freed him up for a tag to Lesnar, who gleefully hopped into the ring and pounced on the rising Fujita. Fujita and Lesnar went back and forth with strikes before a strong knee to the gut by Lesnar was quickly followed up with a quick DDT. Much to the crowd's surprise, Lesnar went to the top rope, but was met with a recovered Fujita, who tried to bring Lesnar down with a back suplex. Fujita was kicked away as Lesnar connected with a diving clothesline. Choshu attempted to interfere for his teammate, but was met with a Lariat from Norton as Nakanishi then began to tie up Fujinami on the outside. Lesnar stomped on the back of Fujita's neck several times before moving to his legs for a Brock Lock. Fujita was able to withstand the hold and was crawling to the ropes for a rope break, but once Lesnar was able to drag him back to the center of the ring, he had no choice but to tap out. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Brock Lesnar, Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi by submission in 13:31. RATING: 60</div> </div> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:red;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> <div style="text-align:center;">'Special Non-Title Singles Match' Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Tanaka 30-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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" /></div> A lengthy staredown kicked off the match prior to the opening lockup as Tenzan went on offense early after using his size to pull Tanaka in to a side headlock. Tanaka's attempts to slip out of the hold were short-lived as the IWGP Heavyweight champion continued to pull him back in close to himself. A well-placed kicked to the back of the heavyweight's knee brought him down. Tenzan just ducked underneath a kick towards the head by Tanaka but was unable to duck the running dropkick that Tanaka immediately followed up with. The junior heavyweight ace placed his focus towards wearing down Tenzan's knees as he kept him down with an ankle lock and then transitioned that into an STF. Utilizing his size advantage once more, Tenzan crawled towards the ropes for a rope break. Tanaka waited to pounce from an opposite corner as he charged Tenzan again with another running dropkick attempt, but this time he was caught and sent down to the mat with a spinebuster. From here it was Tenzan's turn to showcase his technical ability as he chose to inflict punishment on Tanaka's neck and back. Burying Tanaka with the difference in weight, Tenzan allowed the junior to stand up as he then went for a Lariat, but Tanaka countered into a cross armbar! Tanaka cranked on Tenzan's arm with all of his might and Tenzan appeared to nearly be ready to submit, but he was able to get a foot to the ropes once more for the break. Tanaka stomped away at the downed Tenzan and dropped a knee on the back of his head several times. Going up to the top rope, Tanaka was ready to launch off for a Fireball Splash, but Tenzan slipped underneath the ropes to stand on the apron. With the change in location of his opponent, Tanaka instead launched to the outside and caught Tenzan with a flying crossbody! Once he was able to recover from his landing, Tanaka rolled Tenzan into the ring and went for the cover... <div style="text-align:center;">1... 2... Tenzan just got the shoulder up!</div> Tanaka looked at the referee in disbelief as he staggered over to the corner and went to the top rope again. Taking a second to balance himself, Tanaka went for a second attempt at a Fireball Splash but was met with Tenzan's knees to his chest! Tenzan slowly got to his feet with the assistance of the ropes as he then raised Tanaka up and started to chop away at his shoulders. Tanaka soon gathered the energy to start throwing punches and chops back, but Tenzan's chops proved to be enough as they wore him down to his knees. Tenzan lifted his opponent up for a piledriver, but Tanaka began to kick his feet to throw Tenzan off of his balance. As Tanaka was able to ward off the piledriver attempt, Tenzan instead dropped to the mat and locked in an Anaconda Vice! Tanaka frantically scrambled around for a rope, but Tenzan's weight served as an anchor and kept the IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion in the center of the ring - the place where he found himself verbally submitting. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroyoshi Tenzan by submission in 18:15. RATING: 82</div> Tanaka quickly rolled outside of the ring to recover on the apron before just as quickly retrieving his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship belt and beginning to head back towards the backstage area. Tenzan quickly grabbed a microphone and his IWGP Heavyweight Championship and made sure to call Tanaka's name before he fully disappeared from view. The match winner briefly praised Tanaka, telling him that he clearly showed everybody why he's the face of the junior heavyweight division in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Speaking of the face of wrestling, Tenzan says that he's fully ready for Masahiro Chono's challenge for Wrestling Dontaku and fully intends to keep his place at the top of the card following the pay-per-view. Given that he's a former tag partner of Chono's, Tenzan says he knows his style like the back of his hand and that he's prepared for any tricks that he might throw his way. Chono's quest for power and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship have made him desperate, Tenzan said, continuing that with desperation comes recklessness, and with recklessness comes weakness. Tenzan talks down his Wrestling Dontaku challenger a bit more as he then drops the microphone and heads to the back, concluding the event. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 88</div> </div> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 81 TV: 4.75 (3,563,400)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Kijar: 8/8 - Here's your other perfect score. Think you'll get Dontaku down? <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> CobheadJake: 7/8</div></blockquote> <div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"> Road to Wrestling Dontaku Held in the Fukuoka West Japan Hall in Fukuoka (Kyushu) in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 2,800 people. Kensuke Sasaki and Yuji Nagata defeated Hiroshi Nagao and Kazuchika Okada in 7:02 (Submission, Nagata Lock II) 78 Akiya Anzawa, Tiger Mask IV and Puma defeated Dick Togo, James Gibson and Masayuki Naruse in 9:20 (Pinfall, Tiger Suplex Hold) 50 Negro Casas, Felino and Gamma defeated Katsushi Takemura, Wataru Inoue and GENTARO in 10:28 (Submission) 60 Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto defeated Shinsuke Nakamura, Blue Wolf and Toru Yano in 11:14 (Pinfall, German Suplex Hold) 68 Magnum TOKYO and Mitsuya Nagai defeated Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi in 13:08 (Pinfall, Egoist Driver) 61 Brock Lesnar and Tadao Yasuda defeated Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto in 9:13 (Pinfall, F-5) 65 Kazuyuki Fujita, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima defeated Masahiro Chono, Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi in 15:17 (Submission, Sleeper Hold) 81 Hiroyoshi Tenzan cuts a promo on Masahiro Chono and hypes up their Wrestling Dontaku matchup. 89 SHOW RATING: 79 </div>

Rogue · April 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...

<img alt="XZ39HKr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XZ39HKr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Scheduled to be held from the Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka (Kyushu) and to be shown live on Sky PerfectTV!</div>

'IWGP Heavyweight Championship'

Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Masahiro Chono

60-minute time limit

<img alt="RKt0aem.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RKt0aem.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><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" />

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and TAKA Michinoku

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="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="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="h3WMgsI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/h3WMgsI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Yuji Nagata vs. 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" />

Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Brock Lesnar

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="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship'

Minoru Tanaka © vs. Magnum TOKYO

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="N3VNmKL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N3VNmKL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships'

Negro Casas and Felino © vs. Tiger Mask IV and Puma

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="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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

'Shiro Koshinaka Retirement Match'

Shiro Koshinaka, Kota Ibushi, Akira Tozawa, Osamu Nishimura and Ryusuke Taguchi

vs.

Dick Togo, James Gibson, El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Gamma

20-minute time limit

<img alt="YhkoZ4q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YhkoZ4q.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="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hsvOK5j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hsvOK5j.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="pLeWcbx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLeWcbx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z48LxDY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z48LxDY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZOOyXcb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZOOyXcb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kensuke Sasaki, Kazuyuki Fujita and Satoshi Kojima vs. Blue Wolf, Harry Smith and Hiroshi Nagao

20-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="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" 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" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.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="wouA49w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wouA49w.jpg" 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" /></div></div>

<div style="background-color:#D3D3D3;color:gold;border-style:solid;border-width:3px";"><div style="text-align:center;">Pre-Event Press Conference Highlights

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<ul><li>Masahiro Chono says that Hiroyoshi Tenzan's comments at the conclusion of Destruction in Tokyo were 'adorable.' Chono says that Tenzan knows nothing about what he is today. The Black New Japan leader says he purposefully changed his approach to each opponent he faced on his path to his New Japan Cup victory and that he'll be coming in to Wrestling Dontaku as a wildcard against the champion. </li><li>Shinsuke Nakamura gleefully shows off his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship to all of the photographers in attendance. He says his Wrestling Dontaku stands to serve a point, that he is truly the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. To beat Hiroshi Tanahashi again will solidify himself as just that, he says, and anoter victory over Tomohiro Ishii will be salt in Ishii's wounds after their New Japan Cup Final encounter. When asked why he didn't challenge Tanahashi to a singles match, Nakamura brushed the question aside and ended his time at the microphone. </li><li>Hiroshi Tanahashi states that if he is to beat Nakamura, he immediately wants a shot at the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship at Dominion. </li><li>Yuji Nagata re-iterates his declaration from Destruction at Osaka that he's next in line for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Dominion and that he'll be watching Wrestling Dontaku's main event closely. </li><li>Magnum TOKYO asks a rhetorical question as if Minoru Tanaka truly is New Japan's junior heavyweight division's 'ace' as, to him, he doesn't appear tough at all. He says he came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling because he was offered an opportunity by Masahiro Chono to hold the top spot in this company's junior heavyweight division. Magnum then takes a line from his stable leader and says Black New Japan's time is finally upon New Japan. </li><li>Shiro Koshinaka thanks New Japan Pro-Wrestling for all of the great memories over the years and says that he's honored to have a chance to to return to the company for his final match. He says the time is right for him to step away from being a competitor and warns his opponents for the match that he still has something left in the tank for them. </li></ul>

</div>

Prediction Key for Wrestling Dontaku

'IWGP Heavyweight Championship'

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and TAKA Michinoku

Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe

Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Brock Lesnar

'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship'

'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships'

'Shiro Koshinaka Retirement Match'

Shiro Koshinaka, Kota Ibushi, Akira Tozawa, Osamu Nishimura and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson, El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Gamma

Kensuke Sasaki, Kazuyuki Fujita and Satoshi Kojima vs. Blue Wolf, Harry Smith and Hiroshi Nagao

Kijar · April 18, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="rogue" data-cite="rogue" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Here's your other perfect score. Think you'll get Dontaku down? <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> And a much more difficult one to land at that. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Just a month ago I said I never would get another one haha. This card seems a lot harder to predict <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'IWGP Heavyweight Championship' Hiroyoshi Tenzan © vs. Masahiro Chono Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and TAKA Michinoku Yuji Nagata vs. Shinya Makabe Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Brock Lesnar Biggest toss-up imo 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Magnum TOKYO Changed my mind about this twice haha 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships' Team CMLL © vs. Tiger Mask IV and Puma I want to go the other way because Puma, but I don't think it happens 'Shiro Koshinaka Retirement Match' Shiro Koshinaka, Kota Ibushi, Akira Tozawa, Osamu Nishimura and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Dick Togo, James Gibson, El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Gamma Kensuke Sasaki, Kazuyuki Fujita and Satoshi Kojima vs. Blue Wolf, Harry Smith and Hiroshi Nagao

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