Post by Josh Spicer on Jul 11, 2020 15:30:45 GMT -5
Aired on New Japan World on 4AM Eastern, 12AM Pacific. Pre-show started 3AM Eastern, 11AM Pacific.
Before the night really gets rolling and New Japan World is first introduced to the show, Kevin and Chris let fans know of the pre-show matches.
Kimihiko is in the middle of the ring, already ready to announce the first match. He introduces The Good Brothers first who get a mixed reaction from the crowd. Kevin and Chris talk about their actions of late in not exactly supporting Bullet Club but otherwise not doing anything to disagree with them. In addition, their recent rivalry with EVIL and Sanada and how it's recently come into fruition over the latter's usage of the Magic Killer.
Wrestling's Best Tag Team is introduced next to a mostly positive reaction. Brief talk is given about their recent exploits, but they aren't explored too deeply.
vs. 
Special Tag Team Match
Wrestling's Best Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) vs. The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows)
As the first match on the pre-show, the two teams don't get too intense with each other. However, it's not a one-sided affair either. Both teams do take it and give it in equal measures.
I suppose that it's this reason that the match never really gets into another gear and that it ends up going a bit longer than needed. But it does get into the standards of a tag match with Doc and Karl focusing on Haas' back and taking the role of the "heels".
The end comes when Benjamin tries for the hot tag, but instead leaps to the top rope and clotheslines Doc, not officially tagging in. Benjamin takes it to The Good Brothers for a bit before he is sent out of the ring by a missed clothesline and Doc lowering the top rope. A Magic Killer to Charlie signals the end.
Winners: The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) at 12:38
After the match, the two teams meet briefly in the ring with Karl and Doc offering them a "Too Sweet." Shelton and Charlie look like they're about to meet 'em halfway, when Karl rescinds it and lowers Doc's. The Good Brothers smirk before exiting on their own terms. The crowd isn't sure how to react exactly, which again, fair play.
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After the arena has been cleared, Kimihiko introduces the next match. First, Team Pac, with Pac and Major Stars coming out separately. When PAC comes out, Kevin and Chris talk about Shota's elimination of him from the New Japan Rumble and PAC's subsequent attack afterwards. The Major Stars come out as the "sexy samurai" and "sexy geisha" girl again (John and Matthew respectively).
Santos and The Lions' Roar are brought out next, also separately. Kevin and Chris focus on Santos' recent exploits and his time with Liger and Tiger and trying to get their respect. In addition, they also talk about Ren and Shota's problems with PAC after last week.
vs.
Special 6-Man Tag Team Match
PAC and The Major Stars (John Hussy and Matthew Breeze) vs. Santos Escobar and The Lions' Roar (Ren Narita and Shota Umino)
The match itself isn't anything too exciting, being both a pre-show match and a match just set-up last week. Kevin and Chris talk about Team Santos' and how all three members have been trying to get respect from Liger and Tiger to mixed results. Furthermore, the also talk about Lions' Roar recent attempts to get respect from anybody. They've taken on Hirooki Goto's theme music recently to try and ingratiate themselves to Chaos' Japan, and given their decision to stop being in the Young Lion group and sign contracts as is, you can understand they're various attempts to get a positive reaction from their peers.
The match starts quickly with a before the bell attack by PAC and the Major Stars. It's a standard affair for a six-man tag in New Japan with nothing really to note. The Major Stars do get the upper hand after a ref distraction by Matthew (by stripping off his geisha outfit into his wrestling attire) to allow PAC to slam Ren into the barricade and John to hit Shota in the back with a chair. It picks up from there a bit, but again, never really reaches that final gear. Given who is in the match, the result shouldn't surprise you.
The end comes when Santos focuses on getting John and Matthew out of the ring. An Organization member runs out and drags Santos out of the ring, focusing on the two of them brawling for a bit. PAC throws Ren out of the ring to deal with John and Matthew on the outside before hitting a Tombstone and Black Arrow to Shota.
Winners: PAC and The Major Stars (John Hussy and Matthew Breeze) at 7:48
After the match, PAC brings in a chair, looking to focus on Shota with it. Santos tosses the Organization member over a barricade before running in and stopping The Bastard. Santos gets the chair from him and goes for a shot. However, PAC flees from the ring. The Major Stars go for Santos, but end up running immediately to the back when the chair is again brought up. Santos comforts Lions' Roar before they head to the back themselves.
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The night starts with a VTR showcasing recent New Japan action. There's also highlights from the promotion's past, highlighting some interviews from New Japan roster members and how New Japan is back.
It then gets into the card, starting with the Special Singles Match. We see Cedric's highlights for a few moments and then Sabre's, as well as Sabre coming out to interrupt Cedric after his match and the blatant disrespect he showed him. We see the two of them brawl after their latest match and a final stare down.
We then get a brief recap of the Junior Heavyweght Tag Tournament and Liger and Tiger's win. We see Roppongi 3K's highlights of recent and their brief confrontation before bringing their match to light.
The VTR then showcases the four men in the 4-Way NEVER Openweight Match and how they all got here. We see some brief highlight's all four men: Kota Ibushi, Kushida, Taiji Ishimori, and Jay White, as well as Kushida and Taiji's recent beef, Kota's recent issues with Hiroshi, and Jay's recent issues with KENTA, but they don't go further before stating that the vacant championship will be fulfilled.
Next up, we get the Heavyweight Tag Tournament recap, focusing on Legion of Doom's victory. We also see some highlights of GoD and why they're in this match tonight, showing their latest Tag Titles and their loss to Golden☆Ace. Tonight they face-off, with the narrator letting us know that the future Tag Title match will be at Destruction in September.
The next part focuses on the Junior Heavyweight Block of the New Japan Cup and how Ricky Steamboat made it to the finals. We also see Hiromu's recent exploits backstage and his focus on a stuffed dragon that he has now. There's no confrontation, but Hiromu guarantees victory while Ricky is just ready for the fight.
Up next is the semi-main event for the vacant IWGP United States Heavyweight Title. We see how both Dunne and Tanahashi got here with both men guaranteeing victory and looking forward to wrestling each other to a good match.
Finally, the main event and the Double Gold Dash. Naito's been talking a lot backstage, but nothing really on his match tonight. Between all of Curt's victories in the New Japan Cup Heavyweight Block, we see Naito lounging around or talking about other nonsensical and irrelevant (to us) things. In the end, we see Naito having a drink in LIJ's pub that they're often seen in. He goes for a drink before getting slapped on the back by Curt. He spills his drink over his championships. Curt then smirks and tells Naito to be ready for perfection.
We then get the final graphics introducing DOMINION...IN.....OSAKA JO-HALL!
Dominion 7.12 in Osaka-jō Hall
SUN. JULY 12. 2020
Live from Osaka-jō Hall in Osaka, Japan
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As the graphics fade away, we immediately get started with a title match. Team Chaos' Japan is introduced first, with Ishii and Lifeblood coming together with Ishii the "captain". Kevin and Chris talk about Lifeblood's recent return to New Japan and their placement in this match as a result of their performance in the New Japan Rumble last week. They also compliment Ishii's performance and near victory. They briefly touch on Ishii's string of losses recently and while he hasn't been losing he also hasn't been advancing further.
Out next are LIJ, introduced separately but all with their individual belts. EVIL and Sanada's interactions with The Good Brothers are brought up as well as BUSHI's performance in the New Japan Cup recently.
Before the match can begin, The Good Brothers come out, joining Kevin and Chris on commentary.
vs.
NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship
Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL, Sanada, and BUSHI) (C) vs. Chaos' Japan (Tomohiro Ishii and Lifeblood)
The match starts off with EVIL and Ishii having a confrontation of strikes and clotheslines and shoulder blocks. It only goes from there as Ishii starts getting the best of all of LIJ.
The tides turn with David gets tagged in and is taken down by a Sanada distraction and EVIL clothesline. LIJ take turns beating on David before David gets out of an Everything is Evil, hitting a Superkick to the King of Darkness. David gets the tag to Juice who gets a few shots in on LIJ, including getting Sanada and EVIL out of the ring. He gets an Enzuguri by Bushi which sets LIJ back on top.
Juice takes the brunt of offense from then for a bit before reversing an MX by going to the top and hitting a Superplex to BUSHI. Juice gets to the tag to Ishii and BUSHI to Sanada. Ishii pops in like a house of fire and starts raining down clotheslines and suplexes on BUSHI.
The end comes when The Good Brothers distract Sanada at ringside while BUSHI gets the tag to EVIL. EVIL starts matching Ishii toe-to-toe on everything before BUSHI flies down on Good Brothers with a crossbody, taking them out. David follows up with a senton taking out The Good Brothers, BUSHI, and Sanada. In the ring, Juice nails EVIL with a Left Hand of God, leading right into a Brainbuster by Ishii to end it.
Winners: Chaos' Japan (Tomohiro Ishii and Lifeblood) at 12:22
After the match, and Chaos' Japan have left, The Good Brothers confront EVIL and Sanada in the ring. Karl has a mic.
Karl Anderson: I'm not often one to pick a fight...but I for one am disgusted that we leave for a few years and there's already posers steaing our move. So EVIL...Sanada...as much as I might respect you....I'm tired of your shit. We want our move back...and we don't like how you've been using it. So let's put an end to it. The two of us...the two of you...let's do this.
Karl throws the mic towards Sanada, who lets it fall to the mat. EVIL and Sanada share a look before nodding their heads. Doc and Karl leave the ring, sharing a "Too Sweet" with each other and satisfied with their actions.
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Kimihiko introduces the next match with KENTA coming out first to a good set of jeers. Kevin and Chris talk about his confrontations with Jay White recently and the latter's actions against the former.
Rob Van Dam is introduced next to a huge pop from the Osaka crowd. Kevin and Chris bring up RVD's debut in the New Japan Rumble and how he was the runner-up to Jay White. In that match RVD and Kenta had their fair trade of blows and in a way, this is RVD's consolation prize.
vs. 
Special Singles Match
Bullet Club's KENTA vs. Rob Van Dam
The match is an intense affair with both men hitting the other with various strikes and reversals. KENTA finally gets the upper hand after a harsh roundhouse takes RVD to the mat.
KENTA focuses on the head of RVD, keeping him down and on the mat with various holds and DDTs. At one point, KENTA goes for a Go 2 Sleep, but RVD reverses it by catching the knee mid-move. He then hits his a step-over heel kick. From there, RVD gets the upper hand with his kicks, a Rolling Thunder, and a split-legged moonsault, none of which put KENTA away.
The end comes when KENTA crotches RVD up on the top during a Five Star Frog Splash. KENTA goes for a Go 2 Sleep from up top, but RVD elbows KENTA harshly. RVD eventually roundhouses KENTA to the mat. One Five Star Frog Splash later and RVD gets the win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam at 9:37
After the match, KENTA attacks RVD from behind, taking him down with roundhouses and penalty kicks. KENTA grabs a chair and goes for RVD's neck. KENTA goes to the middle rope and is about to Pillmanize him before Jay White comes out to stop him. The two argue for a bit with KENTA wanting to do it and Jay telling him that this "isn't the time." The two share a few shoves before calming down. As they share a "Too Sweet" and go to leave, RVD starts getting up. Jay hits a Blade Runner to him before leaving. KENTA follows after him, pissed at Jay's actions.
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After RVD is helped to the back, Kimihiko introduces Zach Sabre Jr. first to a modest set of boos. Kevin and Chris talk about the hype of this Special Singles Match as a showcase of both men. They also bring up Zach's "man without a country" status with Suzuki-gun's absence.
Cedric is introduced next to a set of cheers. Kevin and Chris talk about his performance lately and how New Japan considered him a huge steal to have gained.
vs. 
Special Singles Match
Cedric Alexander vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
The match starts slowly with Zack taking some time to really gauge Cedric. Every time Zack tries to get a hold on Cedric though, the latter gets to the ropes. Cedric does get a bit of an upper hand on Zack with a few kicks here and there. Cedric actually goes for a Lumbar Check that sends Zack out of the ring before it can be hit. Cedric sentons over the top onto Zack on the outside to get back into it. Before they reenter the ring, Zack throws Cedric off the apron abdomen first into the barricade.
Zack takes over from there, striking Cedric's abdomen and throwing him into the ropes, the turnbuckle post, and the corner pads. Zack locks in a few holds to Cedric, but it always results in Cedric squeezing out of it. At one point, the two of them fight on the top turnbuckle. It ends with Cedric hitting a Spanish Fly that Zack reverses mid-air into a cross armbreaker. Cedric reversed that into a pin that Zack kicks out of.
Cedric gets the upper hand after reversing Zack's attempt at another cross armbreaker into a sit-out powerbomb. Zack ends up getting out of it and going for various holds, but Cedric squeezes out of all of them. He eventually nails a Superkick to the back of Zack's head. Cedric goes for the Lumbar Check, but Zack reverses it into his Hurrah! Another Year submission hold. Cedric tries for the ropes to get out of it, but Zack drags him to the middle of the ring and beats on him with his elbows and some kicks. Cedric does eventually fight out enough to get to the ropes.
The end comes when Zack goes for his submission again, but ends up getting kicked hard enough in the face to put him on the mat. Cedric carefully sets Zack up on his knees before Superkicking the back of his head. Cedric gets Zack up and hits a Lumbar Check to put an already out Zack away.
Winner: Cedric Alexander at 17:27
After the match, Zack is woken up from his stupor and helped to the back by some Young Lions. Cedric offers him a hand, but Zack blatantly ignores it. Cedric heads back soon after bowing to the crowd.
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For the next title match, Kimihiko introduces Liger and Tiger first to the obvious tremendous pop. Kevin and Chris focus on their matches in the tournament as well as their recent events with Santos and The Lions' Roar. They also bring up Tiger's recent brush with The Major Stars and other wrestlers regarding respect and his perceived lack of it towards him.
Roppongi 3K along with Rocky are introduced next and get a more subdued but still positive reaction. Kevin and Chris focus briefly on Rocky's intense assurance that Chaos' Japan is fine despite recent events reflecting otherwise. They don't touch on it further once Rocky reaches ringside. They do bring up Roppongi's recent success lately though.
vs. 
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Chaos' Japan's Roppongi 3K (Yoh and Sho with Rocky Romero) (C) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask
The match starts with Tiger wasting no time and attacking prior to the bell. Liger stops him quickly and calms him down enough to start the match. From there it starts off as it normally would with Roppongi 3K getting the edge on Liger. After a bit of kicks and double team maneuvers, it is Tiger who gets tired of it and periodcally breaks them up.
Liger gets the upper hand on Yoh as Sho is attacked on the outside by Tiger. Liger gets Yoh to the mat and focuses on holds to keep him down. The match is honestly a standard affair with no real fire put into it from either team since the get-go until Yoh gets the hot tag to Sho.
From there things pick up with Roppongi 3K double teaming Liger and Tiger for a bit. The two do end up with Tiger on the outside. Unfortunately, things take a turn when four members of the Organization come out, including the one with the pipe. That member takes out Rocky with it. One member of the Organization focuses on the ref while two of them focus on those in the ring. Those two members hit a Doomsday Device to Yoh and a Springboard Hart Attack to Liger. They focus on Tiger until Santos Escobar rushes out. He evens the odd a bit and gets two of the Organization members out of there. He hits a Phantom Driver to the final one while Yoh and Sho hit a Roppongi 3K to the pipe wielding one.
The end comes when Liger goes for Yoh and Sho, suffering a Roppongi 3K of his own. Tiger manages to stop their attempts at double teams for a bit but does eventually fall victim to Rocky's smoke machine to the face, courtesy of one of the Organization members. Santos focuses on them from there, but this distraction allows Tiger to take The 3K Vice to end it.
Winners: Chaos' Japan's Roppongi 3K (Yoh and Sho with Rocky Romero) at 14:12
After the match, Santos, Tiger, Yoh, and Sho take out the members of the Organization still there. As they flee through the crowd, Yoh and Sho take Rocky and their belts before leaving. Tiger and Santos have a confrontation, with both men helping Liger as he gets in between them. It is actually Tiger who offers his hand. Santos nods and accepts, bowing to Tiger in the meantime. Tiger raises Santos hand before all three leave together.
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We get a shot of the NEVER Openweight Championship at ringside on a pedestal before Kimihiko introduces the rules of the next title match. Two men will start in the ring while two men will stand on the apron. Anybody in the ring can tag someone on the apron. A wrestler is eliminated by pinfall, submission, or count out. There are no disqualifications but there is still a count out in effect for those who are legal.
Kota Ibushi is introduced first, coming out with a huge cheer from the crowd. He does have his Heavyweight Tag Team belt with him this week. Kevin and Chris mention his affairs with his partner but they don't go further in fear of Rocky's reaction.
Kushida comes out to an evenly matched cheer. with that of Kota's He is limping with tape around his hurt leg. He gets to ringside when Taiji Ishimori rushes out and chop blocks him. Taiji takes a few moments to focus on the leg of Kushida before Kota pops in. Kota throws Taiji into the ring and the two start brawling. Jay rushes out from the back, a little bit miffed but otherwise looking calm. Taiji and Kota start the match out by default of them being in the ring and fighting.
vs. 
vs. 
vs. 
4-Way NEVER Openweight Elimination Match for the NEVER Openweight Championship
Chaos' Japan's Kota Ibushi vs. Chaos' Japan's Kushida vs. Bullet Club's Taiji Ishimori vs. Bullet Club's Jay White
Kota and Taiji go at it for a bit with the latter and Jay trading tags and focusing on their opponent together. Kushida is given attention at ringside for his leg, but is adamant enough to wrestle. Taiji and Jay focus enough on Kota until Kushida gets on the apron to make a blind tag to him. Kushida gets a bit of revenge over on Taiji and Jay. It doesn't last though as he does eventually fall to a chop block by Taiji as Jay distracts him.
From there it's a glorified tag match with Jay and Taiji tagging each other in and out to focus on Kushida's leg. It reaches a point where Taiji goes for a Bloody Cross, but Kushida reverses it into a roll-up. When Taiji kicks out, Kushida immediately goes for a Hoverboard Lock. Taiji reverses it into a Figure 4. Kushida manages drag himself towards the ropes, but when Taiji tags in Jay, the Switchblade beats on Kushida enough for Taiji to drag him back towards the center of the ring. Taiji lets go long enough for Jay to tag him back in and lock in the Figure 4 once more.
Kota has had enough and breaks it up soon after. Jay pops in to interfere, but is sent out of the ring to the apron. Kota and Taiji fight for a bit before Kota goes for a Golden Star Powerbomb. Taiji reverses it by getting out and takes a blind tag from Jay. Taiji and Kota brawl through the ropes to the outside while Jay focuses more on Kushida's leg. Kushida does eventually fight back with strikes and kicks before getting nailed with a Uranagi by Jay, which he kicks out of. Eventually, Kota tries for a Hoverboard Lock, but after throwing Kota over the barricade, Taiji rolls in and chop blocks Kota, leading into a Blade Runner which nets our first elimination.
Kushida has been eliminated.
From there, it's a glorified handicap match. Jay and Taiji tag in and out to focus on Kota and hurting him as much as they can. It reaches a point where Taiji grabs a chair and goes for Kota, who Jay has in his arms. Kota reverses it by turning Jay into the chair shot, hitting his back. Roundhouse to Jay. Kota dodges the chair by Taiji and hits a springboard back elbow to him. Kota starts getting into it by attacking Taiji and White by himself. Kota does eventually get Jay out of the ring before focusing on the legal man in Taiji.
It reaches a point where Taiji has Kota on the top rope. The two fight for a bit before Kota headbutts Taiji to the mat. Jay blind tags in Kota as the latter hits a Pheonix Splash to Taiji. Before the ref can count (not that he would), Jay breaks up the pinfall. Jay throws Kota out of the way before pinning Taiji himself.
Taiji Ishimori has been eliminated.
Jay grabs Kota and throws him back towards Taiji. Taiji notices Kota first and starts to get irritated. Kevin and Chris correctly deduce that Taiji thought Kota pinned him. Before Kota can do much, Jay hits a German Suplex to him. Taiji doesn't leave, much to Red Shoes' chagrin, and the two members of Bullet Club continue to assault Kota. It is then that Hiroshi Tanahashi runs out. He breaks up the double team and evens the odds for his partner. Eventually, Hiroshi hits a Twist and Shout to Jay which takes him out of the ring. Hiroshi goes for a High Fly Flow to a standing Taiji, who ducks out of the ring, making the move hit Kota! Hiroshi notices this, but is attacked by Taiji before he can react further.
As Taiji and Hiroshi brawl to the back, Jay rolls in and goes for Kota...who kicks out! Jay shakes his and calls for it, going for a Blade Runner. Kota ducks out and goes for a Golden Star Powerbomb. Jay ducks out of that and goes for a Blade Runner. Kota grabs the arms and goes for a Kamigoye. Jay dodges and hits a Blade Runner to Kota which puts the Golden Star away.
Kota Ibushi has been eliminated.
Winner: Jay White at 21:01
After the match, Jay takes the NEVER Openweight belt and celebrates with it for a bit. KENTA rushes out and confronts him. The two have an argument for a bit before Jay offers a "Too Sweet". KENTA shakes his head and exits the ring by himself. Jay shrugs and celebrates. When he leaves, Kota is left to stew in his failure. He shakes his head and slaps the apron in frustration before leaving.
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Once Kota has left, we get an intermission via a VTR going over the schedule for the next few months.
July 24 - G1 Climax Block A
July 25 - G1 Climax Block B
July 26 - G1 Climax Block A
July 31 - G1 Climax Block B
August 1 - G1 Climax Block A
August 2 - G1 Climax Block B
August 8 - G1 Climax Block A
August 9 - G1 Climax Block B
August 10 - G1 Climax Block A
August 15 - G1 Climax Block B
August 16 - G1 Climax Block A
August 17 - G1 Climax Block B
August 23 - G1 Climax Block A
August 24 - G1 Climax Block B
August 31 - G1 Climax Finals
An additional announcement is made that the blocks for the G1 Climax will be revealed next week.
September 5 - New Japan Road
September 6 - New Japan Road
September 13 - New Japan Road
September 20 - Destruction in Beppu
September 27 - Destruction in Kobe
October 3 - Super Junior Tag League Night 1
October 4 - Super Junior Tag League Night 2
October 5 - Super Junior Tag League Night 3
October 6 - Super Junior Tag League Night 4
October 13 - Super Junior Tag League Night 5
October 20 - King of Pro Wrestling
November 8 - Power Struggle
November 21 - World Tag League Night 1
November 22 - World Tag League Night 2
November 28 - World Tag League Night 3
November 29 - World Tag League Night 4
December 5 - World Tag League Night 5
December 6 - World Tag League Night 6
December 12 - World Tag League Night 7
December 13 - World Tag League Night 8
December 19 - World Tag League Night 9
December 20 - World Tag League Finals
January 3 - Wrestle Kingdom 15 Night 1
January 4 - Wrestle Kingdom 15 Night 2
January 5 - New Year's Dash
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As the crowd gets back into their seats, Kimihiko introduces the next match. Legion of Doom come out first to a tremendous pop. Kevin, Chris, and a now-at-the-table Rocky go over their journey here and who they beat to get to this point.
GoD are introduced next to a huge set of jeers. They come out alone tonight, something that is focused on by the trio at the table. They also bring up Bullet Club's internal issues and how GoD have seemingly managed to avoid any of them.
vs. 
Winner Gets an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match at Destruction
Bullet Club's Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa) vs. Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal)
The match is a hard-hitting affair from the get-go with both teams trading blows. Neither team are known especially for their wrestling acumen, and even still I doubt either team is looking for a wrestling match so much as just looking to win.
GoD get the upper hand quickly after an errant chair shot by Tama to Animal whilst the latter is on the top turnbuckle. From there it's more blatant cheating and brawling by GoD with focus on Animal. Animal tries to get the tag, but he is always cut-off by the non-legal member of GoD.
The end comes soon enough with Hawk getting the hot tag. GoD do end up getting beat on after a bit, but when LoD go for a Doomsday Device to Roa, it's Tama that sends the ref into the ropes, taking him down. Animal is crotched on the top as Tama low blows Hawk from behind. Roa hits a Spear to Hawk, taking him to the floor. Tama then hits a a top rope Gun Stun to Animal. Roa reawakens the ref as Tama cinches the pin and the victory.
Winners: Bullet Club's Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa) at 8:39
After the match, GoD share a "Too Sweet" before heading to the back. LoD remain in the ring for a few moments before Wrestling's Best Tag Team come out. The two teams have a confrontation with Shelton and Charlie offering their hands. LoD accept their handshakes. Shelton and Charlie bow to LoD before heading to the back. LoD follow them soon after to the crowd's content.
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Kimihiko introduces the next match with Ricky Steamboat coming out first to a huge positive reaction from the crowd. Kevin, Chris, and Rocky detail his journey through the New Japan Cup to get here.
Up next is Hiromu Takahashi who comes out with both his belt and the stuffed dragon plushie he's been seen with in post-show comments.
vs. 
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
Los Ingobernables de Japon's Hiromu Takahashi (C) vs. Ricky Steamboat
The match starts off slower than most might expect. Hiromu is a slow individual as per usual, but it's Ricky who chooses to match him in pace. Eventually, Hiromu tries for a Time Bomb to Ricky who gets off and arm drags him to the mat. Ricky takes that and starts to outsmart Hiromu. For all that Hiromu tries to get on top of him, Ricky always has a counter into either a dropkick, a clothesline, an arm drag, or a hip toss. No matter what, The Dragon is able to outwit Hiromu at every corner.
This all ends when they get to the apron. Ricky tries for a suplex to the outside, but Hiromu gets out and Superkicks him. One sunset flip powerbomb into the barricade later and Ricky's abdomen injury from a few weeks ago starts back up. Hiromu takes advantage from there by throwing him into the turnbuckle post, the barricade, and even hitting a back suplex on the apron. Hiromu gets Ricky into the ring and tears into him with kicks and elbows to the midsection.
The match continues like that for a bit with Hiromu never giving Ricky an inch. Ricky does manage a few roll-ups, but Hiromu always kicks out. Eventually, Hiromu tries for a sunset flip from the top rope, but Ricky reverses it into a hurricanrana from there. Ricky starts to flight back with arm drags and clotheslines and body slams. Ricky goes up top, going for a Flying Crossbody. Hiromu dodges, sending Ricky in the mat. A confident Hiromu locks in the Oklahoma Roll, but Ricky KICKS OUT AT ONE! Ricky starts getting back into it, but a quick Superkick stops that. Hiromu nails the Time Bomb...but Ricky kicks out!
Hiromu shakes his head and goes for another one. This one is reversed into a crucifix bomb, which Kevin explains is how Ricky won his first round match. Hiromu is able to kick out though. Ricky then goes up top for another Flying Crossbody, and this one hits...but Hiromu kicks out! Hiromu starts to fire up and goes for another Time Bomb, but Ricky reverses it into a roll-up which doesn't put him away. Hiromu and Ricky fight up top for a bit. Eventually, Ricky tosses Hiromu to the mat.
The end comes when Ricky goes for a final Flying Crossbody, but is met with a Superkick mid-air. After a Time Bomb to Ricky, Hiromu cinches in the pin for the victory.
Winner: Los Ingobernables de Japon's Hiromu Takahashi at 18:17
After the match, the two shake hands and Hiromu bows to Ricky. Ricky stops him before bowing to Hiromu himself. Ricky leaves to allow Hiromu to celebrate. The latter isn't able to get very far with it when PAC rushes out from the back. He attacks Hiromu in the ring, hitting him with a Tombstone. PAC grabs the Junior Heavyweight belt and poses with it, making his claim clear. He eventually drops the belt before leaving.
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Once Hiromu is helped to the back, Kimihiko introduces the next match. We get a shot of the vacant IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship belt on a pedestal at ringside.
Kimihiko introduces Pete Dunne first who gets a moderate positive reaction from the crowd. Kevin, Chris, and Rocky detail Pete's journey to this match and let it be clearly known how highly New Japan appreciates him.
Up next is Hiroshi Tanahashi who obviously gets a louder reaction. The trio go over his journey here as well his actions earlier tonight by arguably costing Kota the match. Rocky agrees with the statement but makes it clear that there's no tension in Chaos' Japan. Kevin tries to argue with him on it, but Rocky shuts down all attempts.
vs. 
New Japan Cup Heavyweight Block Bronze Match - Vacant IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
Pete Dunne vs. Chaos' Japan's Hiroshi Tanahashi
The match is pretty damn good, which is fairly expected by both men. Pete focuses on Hiroshi's arm while Hiroshi just does what he can to avoid injury. Pete holds the upper hand for a bit before getting hit with a Dragon Screw in the ropes. Another one hit right after leads to Hiroshi focusing intently on Pete's leg.
Hiroshi sticks to that leg like glue, attacking it repeatedly. Pete gets a few shots here and there and is able to stave off a loss for a bit, but Pete makes the mistake of following Hiroshi to the top rope. Hiroshi slips from under Pete and clips the injured leg, sending Pete careening to the mat. From there, Hiroshi locks in the Texas Cloverleaf. Pete holds on long enough to get to the ropes. Hiroshi obliges Red Shoes by letting go, but goes right up to hit a High Fly Flow to Pete's back. Pete manages to get a foot on the bottom rope.
From there, Hiroshi focuses more on Pete's leg, but an errant enzuguri by Hiroshi misses, leading way for Pete to lock in a Cross Armbreaker to the arm he was working on earlier. Hiroshi tries to fight out but Pete snaps his fingers to regain control. Eventually, Hiroshi is able to reverse it into a powerbomb into the corner. Tanahashi goes up top, going for a High Fly Flow, but Pete manages to dodge. Pete hits a quick Bitter End to Hiroshi...who kicks out! Pete goes for another one, but Hiroshi gets out, hitting a Sling Blade to Pete. He goes up for another High Fly Flow, but Pete catches him mid-air with a Triangle Hold.
Hiroshi holds on for a bit, fighting out hard enough to attack Pete's hurt leg. Hiroshi reverses the Triangle Hold into a Texas Cloverleaf. Pete is able to reverse that by flipping over into a roll-up which Hiroshi kicks out of.
The end comes soon after when Hiroshi is going for a High Fly Flow. Two members of the Organization come out. One distracts the ref to allow the other to nail Hiroshi in the back with a chair. The chair-wielding member waits for Hiroshi to rise before nailing him in the face with the chair. When he turns around, Pete nails him with a hard right, sending the chair into his face. The other Organization member gets into the ring and soon suffers a hard right hand of his own. Pete hits a Bitter End to Hiroshi, and with an apt name, it leads to the finish.
Winner: Pete Dunne at 22:34
After the match, Pete celebrates with his newly won championship for a bit before making his exit. In the ring, Hiroshi soon finds a two-on-one assault courtesy of the two Organization members. Kota Ibushi hits the ring to even the odds. The two members flee, leaving Kota and Hiroshi to confront each other. Kota doesn't help Hiroshi to his feet, and both turn to see GoD waiting at the stage, smirking amongst themselves. Soon after, Hiroshi and Kota head to the back with the former refusing the latter's help, not that he's in any rush to do so.
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Once Kota and Hiroshi have left, the lights in the arena go out. With the main event on the way, a VTR plays showing Naito's winning of the Double Gold Dash at Wrestle Kingdom as well as his journey here. We also see Hennig's journey through the New Japan Cup to get to the finals. The two trade barbs backstage but never have an on-screen confrontation barring the scene we saw earlier with Hennig causing Naito to spill his drink at the LIJ bar.
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Following the VTR, we see the usual championship history of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, ending with Tetsuya Naito, the current champ.
Kimihiko introduces Curt Hennig first. He gets a mixed reaction from the crowd due to his recent actions, but also because he hasn't done much to really make the crowd dislike him. The trio at the announce table talk about Curt's journey here and how he won the 3-Way last week to get to this point.
Naito is introduced next to a thunderous applause from the crowd. Kevin, Chris, and Rocky focus a lot on Naito and his first title defense since February. He takes his time to reach the ring and comes out in a white suit which is disrobed before he wrestles.
vs. 
Double Gold Dash for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships
Los Ingobernables de Japon's Tetsuya Naito (C) vs. Curt Hennig
The match starts off with Naito teasing Curt via his tranquilo ways. Curt wants to wrestle, but Naito keeps laxing off or rolling out of the ring. Eventually, Curt catches Naito in a powerslam. The two trade holds for a bit before Curt takes a page out of his opponent's book by sliding out of the ring. Once they get back to wrestling, Curt hits a German Suplex before laxing on the top rope. Naito sees this and smiles, something the two end up exchanging.
With the fun and games out of the way, the two finally allow themselves to wrestle and get down to business. Curt gets the upper hand early with various suplexes and wrestling holds, winning the original few lock-ups. Eventually, Naito gets out of one and throws Curt into the turnbuckle. After a running elbow over the top, a clip of the leg, and an over the top dropkick to a seated Curt, it's safe to say that Naito takes the advantage.
Naito uses this to work on various parts of Curt, not focusing on any specific one. The fight gets to the outside, leading to the English announce table. Naito goes for a Piledriver on top of it, but Curt reverses it into a back body drop onto a set of nearby chairs. Curt doesn't allow any surcease and quickly gets Naito back onto the table. He hits a Piledriver of his own, tearing a head-size hole right into the table. Curt drags Naito back towards the ring and continues the beat down.
With Naito's head thoroughly now injured, Curt focuses closer on that. DDTs, high-angle suplexes, various maneuvers to the head are still not enough to keep Naito to the mat. Eventually, Curt hits a Piledriver on the apron, which Naito still manages to kick out of. Curt shakes his head and goes for a Perfect-plex...which Naito again kicks out of! Curt drags Naito to the top rope. He goes for what looks like a Piledriver from the top rope, but is reversed into a back body drop. Naito follows that up with a Stardust Press which gets a nice pop from the crowd. Curt still kicks out though.
Naito follows up with a Destino, planting Curt to the mat who kicks out! Naito goes for another one but finds it reversed into a spinebuster which lands high on the back of his head. Curt goes for a powerbomb, but Naito reverses it into a hurricanrana over the top and to the outside. Naito goes up top, going for a crossbody, but Curt, still on the outside, catches him mid-air. Curt then sends Naito face first into the turnbuckle post, which busts him open. From there, Curt targets the wound which only gets worse the longer the match goes.
With punches and boots focusing in on the bloodied face of Naito, it's hard to forgive the crowd for cheering nonstop for Naito. Curt doesn't see it that way and is starting to get annoyed. After a bit, Curt locks in a Sleeper Hold as the match breaches 25 minutes. A few more moments are delayed when Naito can't get out of it the first few times. When he does via a back suplex, Curt is right back on it. Naito very nearly takes the TKO, but he holds on, eventually reversing the hold into a DDT.
Naito goes for a follow-up Destino, but Curt reverses it into a Perfect-plex...which Naito still kicks out of! Curt holds on and goes for another one, only to find himself rolled up. Curt gets out of it fast enough to meet an enzuguri by Naito which takes Curt to the mat. Naito starts getting into it. He goes for a Destino, but Curt holds on, refusing to go down. Naito reverses that into a tornado DDT, but Curt still holds on. Curt gets Naito up into the air and catches him in a Diamond Cutter. Curt cinches the pin...but Naito once again kicks out!
The end comes when Curt lowers his straps, clearly pissed and ready to put this away. He goes for a Perfect-plex, but Naito holds on and reverses it into a Destino. That ends up putting Curt away.
Winner: Los Ingobernables de Japon's Tetsuya Naito 33:37
After the match, Curt is helped to the back while Naito remains in the ring. Barely on his feet but still standing, Naito holds both of his championships tight. He gets the mic, but before he can speak, the lights go out. We get a replay of that VTR that's been shown recently.
Some heavy guitar plays and numerous various wrestlers appear on the screen. They all have a brief video play of them of getting ready for a match before the feed pauses. Each men then get a red "X" spray painted over their still image.
The music crescendos as Tetsuya Naito's victory at Wrestle Kingdom 14 is seen. He gets on one knee before the video stops once more. Two targets form over both Naito's face and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
The targets fade away to allow another "X" to be spray painted over him.
Naito is then transitioned into a deep blood red before we see a man in a spotlight standing ominously, albeit hidden by the shadows, with new text.
It is then that some new music starts to play.
As the intro starts to crescendo and lead to the verses, we see Brock Lesnar walk out onto the stage with a smirk and a suit!
Brock walks by a few fans and high-fives them, the smirk on his face never leaving. Naito seems calm in the ring despite the mass of a man approaching him.
Once Brock reaches the ring, he grabs Naito's mic from his hand and starts to speak.
Brock Lesnar: What a load of bullshit you are!
Both the crowd and the announce table react negatively.
Brock Lesnar: This is the champion now? God, fifteen years ago I came to this company and I defeated the legends of yesteryear that guys like you Naito...wanted to be. I beat them all. I tore them apart. And then I left...with that championship, unbeaten by anybody on the roster. If nobody back then could beat me, what makes you think you have a fucking chance?
Hell, when Harold Meij wanted to sign me I told him that he's bringing a fucking death wish to this god damn company. But he did it! The son of a bitch did it! He signed me to an exclusive, iron clad contract to New Japan Pro Wrestling in this new GWA. So I waited my time. I watched from the back...the heavyweight disasters...from the beginning...put on a............performance. Not a wrestling match, a god damn performance. You're a disgrace to the legends you look up to. In my first match...I put down Masahiro Chono like a bitch...in the Tokyo Dome. Nakanishi and Nagata...put down like a bitch. Hell...I faced Nakamura on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome...and I put him down...like a bitch!
And now I have assholes like you wearing a piece of metal that better wrestlers...and better men...have given more than you ever have to wear. Tanahashi's a piece of shit! Okada's a piece of shit! Naito! I'm comin for you motherfucker!
The crowd starts to get antsy to see these two go at it.
Brock Lesnar: But don't worry your pretty little head off. I want you to wait...and stir so you know what's comin. I'm entering the G1 Climax...and I want you to watch every...single...piece...of shit...this company offers me...and I want you to watch as I tear every single one of them apart! And when Wrestle Kingdom comes...and it's you and I in the main event...I want you to know...to expect it tenfold...on your ass!
Brock throws the mic to the mat. Naito doesn't respond for a moment. Eventually, he does his standard tranquilo pose to Brock...who responds by shoving him to the mat. Brock tells Naito to bring it, but he just remains on the mat. Eventually, Brock shakes his head and waits for Naito to stand. When he does, Brock hits him with a Verdict, sending Naito crashing to the mat.
Brock takes off his suit jacket. He grabs the Intercontinental belt...and throws it out of the ring. With a smirk, he grabs the Heavyweight belt, staring down at it and clutching it tight. When Naito gets up, the blood still pouring down his face, Brock nails him with the belt, sending Naito to the mat. Brock takes some time and places the title on Naito's chest before heading out on his own accord.
