NJPW (Project 19)

[Captain Redneck]

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Posted 9 hours ago



 

 

 

 

 

1. Kazuchika Okada
2. Daisuke Sekimoto
3. Kento Miyahara
4. Yuji Okabayashi
5. Kota Ibushi
6. Will Ospeary
7. Zack Sabre Jr.
8. WALTER
9. Jake Hager ( the former Jack Swagger)
10. Shinsuke Nakamura
11. Tetsuya Naito
12. Evil
13. Sanada
14. Joe Doering
15. Lance Archer
16. Kaito Kiyomiya
17. Jake Lee 
18. Toa Henare
19. Naoya Nomura
20. Yuma Aoyagi
21. Hiroshi Tanahashi
22. Jay White
23. KAI
24. Togi Makabe
25. Hirooki Goto
26. Ryoji Sai
27. Masa Kitamiya
28. Joe Coffey
29. Mark Coffey
30. KENOH
31. Rampage Brown
32. Yuji Hino
33. Maybach Taniguchi
34. Cody Hall
35. Manabu Soya
36. Tama Tonga
37. Suwama
38. Bad Luck Fale
39. Tama Tonga
40. Kohei Sato
41. Satoshi Kojima
42. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
43. Willie Mack

TAG TEAMS:

1. Strong NJ
2. Golden Assassins
3. Ground & Pound
4. Evil & Sanada
5. Cowboys From Hell !
6. NEXTREAM
7. Pair of ACES
8. GBH
9. Coffey Brothers
10. Masa Kitamiya & KENOH
11. Yuji Hino & Maybach Taniguchi
12. Jake Lee & Ryoji Sai
13. Tencozy
14. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

STABLES:
1. Los Ingobernables de Japan
2. Evolution
3. British Invasion
4. Hooligans
5. 4 ACES
6. NEXTREAM

 

[Captain Redneck]

NJPW President:
Takaaki Kidani

Announcers:
Kevin Kelly
Gedo

Referee's:
Marty Asami
Red Shoes Unno
Tiger Hattori

Shows will be broadcasted on NJPW World

Championships:
IWGP Championship
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
IWGP Super Heavyweight Championship
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

More information to be coming soon...………..

[Captain Redneck]

January 15th, 2019

Press Conference: Featuring NJPW President Takaaki Kidani

Takaaki Kidani: I would like to welcome the Japanese press along with the foreign press that has made the trek to the NJPW headquarters. It's a new day today, the Pro Wrestling landscape has changed forever and the change will be for the better. Here at New Japan, we also will have change as we plan on holding tournaments to determine new champions for the following titles:

IWGP Championship
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
IWGP Super Heavyweight Championship ( minimum weight will be 255 lbs.)
IWGP Tag Team Championship

Takaaki Kidani: Our product will be shown on TV Asahi 5 in Asia,  NJPW World, 1.7 SKY TV in Great Britian, SPORT 1 in Germany. Our announcers will be American Wrestling announcer, Kevin Kelly & former Japanese Wrestler, Gedo. I would like to turn over the rest of the Press Conference to Mr. Kevin Kelly.

Kevin Kelly: Thank you Mr. Kidani. The first thing we would like to do is to talk about our star studded roster. We have taken wrestlers from all around the world and try to make the best wrestling on the Planet. Here is a list of Our roster.

1. Kazuchika Okada
2. Daisuke Sekimoto
3. Kento Miyahara
4. Yuji Okabayashi
5. Kota Ibushi
6. Will Ospeary
7. Zack Sabre Jr.
8. WALTER
9. Jake Hager ( the former Jack Swagger)
10. Shinsuke Nakamura
11. Tetsuya Naito
12. Evil
13. Sanada
14. Joe Doering
15. Lance Archer
16. Kaito Kiyomiya
17. Jake Lee 
18. Toa Henare
19. Naoya Nomura
20. Yuma Aoyagi
21. Hiroshi Tanahashi
22. Jay White
23. KAI
24. Togi Makabe
25. Hirooki Goto
26. Ryoji Sai
27. Masa Kitamiya
28. Joe Coffey
29. Mark Coffey
30. KENOH
31. Rampage Brown
32. Yuji Hino
33. Maybach Taniguchi
34. Cody Hall
35. Manabu Soya
36. Suwama
37. Bad Luck Fale
38. Tama Tonga
39. Kohei Sato
40. Satoshi Kojima
41. Hiroyoshi Tenzan 
42. Willie Mack

Kevin Kelly: As you see, we have the elite of the elite from Japan, the United States and Great Britain. We have wrestlers who were champions from all over the world and with the buyout of the former AJPW & Pro Wrestling NOAH to the owners of NJPW, Bushiroad, we also have the best wrestlers from those 2 promotions. New Japan is also planning on not just having shows in this country, but they also plan of traveling the globe and to make New Japan a global brand. In the future, we will have shows in such places as NYC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Orlando in the United States. There will also be shows in Great Britain, Germany and Australia later in the year. Our 1st show will be held at the World famous Korakuen Hall on Monday, January 28th. The 1st card will be a tournament for the IWGP Championship. A champion will not be crowned however, until February 23rd at the Tokyo Dome. The Tokyo Dome show will hold the finals for all of the championships and other matches will be announced at a later date. I will now open things up for questions from the Press.

Dave Meltzer ( Wrestling Observer) : Kevin, where are Cody, Kenny, Page, and the Young Bucks on the roster?

Kevin Kelly: Dave, that was the old promotion. You need to try and keep up with the times.

Greg Oliver (SLAM WRESTLING): Will there be a list coming soon on how's going to be in which Tournament?

Kevin Kelly: Yes there will be. It will be released within the next 24-48 Hours.

Wade Keller (PW Torch) : Does New Japan plan on having any sort of working agreements with any other promotions?

Kevin Kelly: Great question, Wade. New Japan has been in touch with several promotions about the possibility of trading talent, holding joint shows and several other ideas. We feel that Wrestling would be a better place if we can get as many different promotions that we can to work together. We are trying to take politics out of the equation, but sometimes things can't be overcome.

Japanese Yahoo Sports: I Noticed on the roster list shown that there aren't any Jr. Heavyweights on it. Has NJPW disbanded this division?

Kevin Kelly: After much internal debate, NJPW has decided to forgo the Junior Heavyweight division and to feature the Heavyweight & Super Heavyweight divisions for the time being. This however, doesn't mean that you won't see your favorite Juniors wrestle for New Japan from time to time. This just means that there won't be a weight class just for the Junior Heavyweights. Any and all are always welcome to wrestle for New Japan and you could even see one or more even challenge for the Championship.

Kevin Kelly: We would like to thank everyone for coming and please join us for this new and exciting venture in the life of NJPW.

 

[Grimmas]

The weight divisions in current NJPW really need to go too. Looking forward to see how this meshes.

[Captain Redneck]

PRESS RELEASE:

Official pairings for the 16 man Tournament for the IWGP Championship. Pairings were determined by using Random.org.

Jake Lee vs. Kaito Kiyomiya
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kenoh
Hirooki Goto vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
Rampage Brown vs. Kota Ibushi
Jay White vs. Will Ospreay
Kento Miyahara vs. Satoshi Kojima
KAI vs. Tetsuya Naito

Official pairings for the 12 man Tournament for the IWGP Super Heavyweight Championship. Pairings were determined by using Random.org

Suwama vs. Hager
Joe Doering vs. Yuji Hino
Daisuke Sekimoto vs. Yuji Okabayashi
Bad Luck Fale vs. Kohei Sato
Cody Hall vs. Willie Mack
WALTER vs. Lance Archer

Official pairings for the 14 team Tournamnet for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Pairings were determined by using Random.org

Tencozy ( Kojima & Tenzan) vs. Yuji Hino & Maybach Taniguchi
Evil & Sanada vs. Masa Kitamiya & Kenoh
Mark & Joe Coffey vs. NEXTREAM ( Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi)
Golden Assassins ( Kota Ibushi & Will Ospreay) vs. Evolution ( Jake Lee & Ryoji Sai)
Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga vs. Strong NJ ( Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi)
GBH ( Togi Makabe & Toa Henare) vs. Pair of Aces ( Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kento Miyahara )
Ground & Pound ( Jake Hager & Zach Sabre Jr.) vs. Cowboys from Hell! ( Joe Doering & Lance Archer)

Official pairings for the 12 man Tournament for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Pairings were determined by using Random.org

Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Togi Makabe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Masa Kitamiya vs. Toa Henare
Sanada vs. Tama Tonga
Manabu Soya vs. EVIL
Will Ospreay vs. Kaito Kiyomiya

Also, here are the factions in NJPW:

Los Ingobernables de Japan: ( Tetsuya Naito , EVIL, Sanada , Shinsuke Nakamura )
Evolution: ( Suwama , Joe Doering , Lance Archer , Bad Luck Fale , Tama Tonga )
NEXTREAM: ( KAI , Naoya Nomura , Yuma Aoyagi , Jake Lee , Ryoji Sai )
British Invasion: ( WALTER , Mark Coffey , Joe Coffey, Rampage Brown )
Hooligans: ( Yuji Hino , Maybach Taniguchi , Cody Hall , Manabu Soya , Kohei Sato)
4 ACES : ( Kazuchika Okada , Hiroshi Tanahashi , Kento Miyahara , Kaito Kiyomiya )

 

 

[El Dragon]

BTW my favorite bit about this is that Meltzer goes straight to "But but but, where are my friends?" in response to this news. Got a good chuckle out of me.

 

Really looking forward to seeing the tournaments play out. Should be fun predicting winners.

[superkix]

Interesting including Kiyomiya as one of the four aces! I like the idea of a super heavyweight division. It's unique and adds something fresh to what was becoming kind of a stagnant division (the juniors). Those are some killer first round match-ups (Sekimoto vs. Okayabashi). 

[Captain Redneck]

2 hours ago, superkix said:

Interesting including Kiyomiya as one of the four aces! I like the idea of a super heavyweight division. It's unique and adds something fresh to what was becoming kind of a stagnant division (the juniors). Those are some killer first round match-ups (Sekimoto vs. Okayabashi). 

The match-ups are interesting as I did actually use Random.org for the brackets. 

[SirEdger]

Random.org always gets the job done for stuff like that.

[Grimmas]

On 1/16/2019 at 2:35 PM, SirEdger said:

Random.org always gets the job done for stuff like that.

I actually started my tournament with the final I wanted and then worked my way backwards. No random, all planned.

[Captain Redneck]

49 minutes ago, Grimmas said:

I actually started my tournament with the final I wanted and then worked my way backwards. No random, all planned.

I like using Random.org because it helps my writing skills. I have an idea on who I want as champ, but the final will be decided as I write the card.

[SirEdger]

Same here. Helps sharpen my creative skills as I sometimes need to be resourceful in those situations. That's the thrill of the challenge.

[Grimmas]

You folks are just more creative then me, I want more control. I find I can build the stories better if I work backwards.

[SirEdger]

To be honest, there isn't a method better than other. It's about what you feel more comfortable. Redneck and I are pretty comfortable leaving some stuff to random chance; you prefer to be completely hands-on.At the end of the day, we do what works for us and that's it

[Captain Redneck]

Just a reminder that Monday, the 28th will be the 16 man tournament for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, live from Korakuen Hall. The finals will be at the Tokyo Dome on Feb 23rd.

[Captain Redneck]

Jan 28th, Korakuen Hall

Announcers:
Kevin Kelly
Gedo

Referee's:
Marty Asami
Red Shoes Unno

Kelly: Welcome to the new era in NJPW. Tonight is all about the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Tonight, 16 men will put their hearts on the line to try to get the most prestigious championship in the world of wrestling. This is the deepest roster in the history of Japanese professional wrestling, so it will take a special man to come out on top. Gedo, do you have any favorites or insight on the tournament?

Gedo: Ohhh, Kevin Kelly, you know that I have my hand on the pulse of NJPW. It will be very interesting to see if some of the outsiders can keep up with those who have been in the greatest wrestling promotion in the world. My dark horse to make it to the finals is Zach Sabre Jr. and his many uses of submission style wrestling. He has made a who's who in professional wrestling tap out instead of feeling the pain that Sabre can inflict on someone. 

Kelly: I have to agree with you about Zack Sabre Jr., but I think this will come down to one of the New Japan mainstays to win it all. Our first match is in the ring.

Jake Lee vs. Kaito Kiyomiya  30 minute time limit

Kelly: Referee Marty Asami calls for the bell and the match is on. Both wrestlers are extremely cautious, not wanting to make a mistake that can cost them early. The man known as the "next generation ace" takes control by putting Lee in a cobra twist. Lee is in pain but is showing that fighting spirit and is able to counter by grabbing the ropes. Kiyomiya's speed advantage is evident as he has Lee looking bewildered as Kaito is attacking him from all directions. Lee takes a powder to the outside, but Kaito is on the ring apron and hits Lee with a running knee to the face. Kaito works on Lee on the outside, until Lee is able to fling his smaller opponent into the guardrail. Asami's count is up to 11 as Lee is back into the ring. Kiyomiya is able to gather himself and makes it back in at 17. Lee is attacking the legs of Kiyomiya with various leg and knee locks, trying to slow him down. After several minutes of this, Lee picks Kaito up and hits a high angle backdrop for a 2 count. Lee goes back to work on the legs and has Kaito in a Texas cloverleaf. Kaito is furiously trying to turn his body over to slip out of the hold, but Lee puts more pressure on Kiyomiya's body by sitting down even more. Getting frustrated, Lee releases the hold and goes for a spinning toe hold , but Kaito won't give up. Lee decides to change course by hitting another backdrop suplex and then he goes after the knees of Kiyomiya. Lee is able to position Kaito and apply an achilles lock on Kaito's injured left leg. Lee then transitions into a knee bar, trying to tear away at the ligaments of the knee. Kaito catches Lee with a kick to the side of the head with his right leg. Kiyomiya hits several more of these and Lee releases his grip. Kiyomiya is struggling to gain a strong base underneath him as he tries to stand back up. Kaito hits several uppercuts to the jaw of Lee and now Kaito is feeling confident enough to hit Lee with a standing Lariat, which catches him under his jaw. Kaito hits Lee with several suplexes and then gets him into position for his backbreaker which weakens Lee some more. The crowd is cheering the action on as Kiyomiya nails Lee with a Bridging German suplex and Lee narrowly escapes at 2 3/4. Kaito stands Lee up and is able to catch him with the "Kings Road" Bridging Tiger suplex for the victory.

WINNER in 17:36, Kaito Kiyomiya

Kelly: What a fine start to the tournament and Lee made a great showing in defeat.
Gedo: What do you mean by a great showing in defeat? He still lost, which means he's out of the running. A loss is still a loss, Kelly!

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. KENOH, 30 minute time limit

Kelly: The conquering hero is back home as the crowd is roaring with the return of Mr. Boma Ye is heading to the ring. KENOH is pacing back and forth and suddenly lashes out at Nakamura, knocking him of the ring apron and onto the floor. Red Shoes is calling for KENOH to come back to the ring, but KENOH is hell bent on destroying Nakamura. KENOH is all over Shinsuke and hits a dragon suplex into the guardrail. The bell rings and Red Shoes starts his count. KENOH is ignoring the count and is brutally kicking the unprotected face of Nakamura. The count is up to 14 and KENOH walks back into the ring. Nakamura is down as the count hits 17. Nakamura isn't moving and is counted out at 20! There's a murmur going through the crowd as the doctor at ringside checks on Nakamura. The doctor calls for a stretcher mad places Shinsuke's head in a neck brace as KENOH is in the ring yelling at the crowd and Nakamura.

WINNER in 1:08 by count-out, KENOH

Kelly: KENOH's vicious attack on Nakamura will put the rest of the wrestlers on notice.
Gedo: This KENOH assault on Nakamura warms my heart. Maybe Nakamura shouldn't have left Japan to go to the States, Kelly. It looks like Nakamura has gone soft. Ha Ha.

Hirooki Goto vs. Zach Sabre Jr. 30 minute time limit

Sabre goes right on the attack, going after the legs of the more powerful Goto. Now Sabre switches his attention to Goto's arms and is trying to weaken each of Goto's appendages in an effort to counter the strength of Goto. Goto slips out an attempt of a German suplex with an elbow to the head. Goto uses various slams and suplexes to try to end the match early. The best Goto can do is a 2 count by referee Asami. With Sabre on the mat, Goto applies his own submission maneuver by using an STF. Sabre manages to counter this immediately by rolling out of it and into a cross arm breaker. Goto is trying to take some of the pressure off of it by joining his hands together. Goto makes it to the ropes for a break. Sabre goes back to work, this time by putting Hirooki in a painful Omoplata/wristlock combination. Goto is in trouble as Sabre is telling him to just tap out. Goto can't make it to the ropes, but he's able to finally use a palm strike to the face of Sabre. Sabre then transitions to a Kimura lock. Goto just can't get away from Sabre and appears to be grasping at straws at this point.  After 3 minutes of pure torture, Sabre stands Goto up, only to take him over with a dragon suplex. Sabre stays on the attack and goes back to the cross arm breaker. Goto is in the center of the ring, but manages to roll out of it and kick Sabre in the head. Goto gets a few maneuvers in, but Sabre catches Goto napping and applies a double wrist clutch reverse octopus hold. Goto is trying to stay in the match, but eventually the pain is to great and he taps out.

WINNER in 9:47, Zach Sabre Jr.

Gedo: I told you Kelly, that Zach Sabre Jr. will make everybody just tap out. He's going to win the title, watch for it.
Kelly: I must say that was a dominating performance over the former IC & NEVER open weight champion. Goto simply had no answer for the submission specialist.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada 30 minute time limit

This is the match that the fans came to see. Red Shoes gives his instructions as Both wrestlers bow to each other as a sign of respect. Tanahashi has the early advantage, using his experience by outwitting the younger Okada.  Tanahashi is working on the legs of Okada, trying to undermine his athletic ability. Okada is able to turning things around when Tanahashi misses a dropkick. Okada hits several elbows to the fallen Tanahashi. Okada climbs the ropes and dives off with an elbow drop, but Tanahashi isn't there. Tanahashi then climbs the ropes himself as Okada stands up and hits a crossbody block for a 2 count. Tanahashi waits for Okada to stand and uses a dragon screw at a very difficult angle. Tanahashi stands his opponent back up and crosses his arms for a straight jacket German suplex. Tanahashi bridges, but once again, can only get a 2 count. Okada is able to catch Tanahashi with an elbow to the chest, knocking the breath out of him. Okada then drops his man on the mat with a DDT. Okada decides to weaken Tanahashi by putting him in a front facelock. Okada does this for several minutes, hoping to get a submission, but most likely, just trying to wear Tanahashi down. Okada gets back to his feet and hits a swinging neckbreaker on the former Ace and then he gets Tanahashi with his air crash raid neckbreaker. Okada goes for the cover, but can only get another 2 count. Okada then stands up for his rainmaker pose, but Tanahashi is able to take Okada over with a spinning side slam. Okada's grandstanding might cost him here. Tanahashi is back in control and then whips Okada into the ropes and hits a beautiful sling blade on his younger opponent. Tanahashi seeing an opportunity goes to the outside for a rope assisted flying senton, handing his full body weight on Okada. Tanahashi sensing that Okada is in trouble, climbs the ropes like a cat and dives off and connects with his "High Fly Flow". Thinking that he needs to do more, he perches to the top again and dives onto Okada one more time. He goes for the cover and gets a 2 1/2 only, surprising everyone in the building. Tanahashi then grabs Okada and goes for a move that he hasn't used in years, which is the Half Hatch Suplex. He covers again, but only get a 2 count this time. Tanahashi looks to the crowd and points to the top as he goes for a 3rd "High Fly Flow". He leaps and connects, hooks the leg as Red Shoes counts to 2 and then starts to slap the canvas again, but Okada kicks out at 2 3/4. The noise is deafening as no one expected a kick out by Okada. Tanahasi then whips Okada into the corner and makes a mistake by charging. Okada jumps onto the middle turnbuckle and rolls into a sunset flip, but only gets a 2 count himself. Okada then grabs the stunned Tanahashi and hits Heavy Rain, but once again, for only a count of 2. Now it's Okada getting frustrated and picks up Tanahashi upside down and is setting up for a tombstone piledriver. Tanahashi breaks free and rolls Okada up for a victory roll, but Okada rolls right through that, grabs Tanahashi's wrist and hits a Rainmaker. It didn't appear that he got all of it, so he picks Tana up again and this time, Tana ducks under and gets him with an Enzuigiri to the head. Both men are down and are exhausted. Tanahashi is the first one up and climbs back to the ropes. He leaps back first and tries for a corkscrew moonsault. Okada moves and is up on his feet. He hits Deep in Debt on Tana and picks him up one more time and he hits Tanahashi full force with a devasting Rainmaker. He covers and hooks the far leg as Red Shoes counts to 3.

WINNER in 27:53, Kazuchika Okada

Kelly: That was one for the ages. Gedo, what do you think of your former charge getting the victory?
Gedo: That match took a lot out of the "Rainmaker" and we'll see if he can make it after such a grueling match.

Rampage Brown vs. Kota Ibushi 30 minutes

The crowd is slient as they are trying to catch their breath after the previous match-up. Brown tries to use power moves on Ibushi, but he's finding out that Ibushi is stronger then he looks. Ibushi takes complete control in the match by mixing up high flying moves with some ground based wrestling. Ibushi is able to get Brown into an ankle lock and Marty Asami asks Brown if he wants to give up. Brown reaches the ropes for the break. Brown is outside the ring and doesn't notice that Ibushi is near the turnbuckle. Ibushi leaps over the corner with a gorgeous moon sault to the arena floor. Ibushi then climbs back onto the apron and hits a running shooting star press onto Brown. Asami has the count up to 9 as Ibushi rolls Brown back into the ring. Kota starts lighting up the chest of Brown with Multiple kicks, until Rampage falls to the mat. Ibushi then grabs his man off the canvas and lifts him up for the "Last Ride" and slams Brown hard onto the mat with the powerbomb. Asami goes for the count, but only gets to 2 before Rampage kicks out. Ibushi then sees his opponent is hurt. climbs the ropes and hits the "Golden Star Press" to get the 3 count. A very easy match for Ibushi as Brown had no answer.

WINNER in 5:02, Kota Ibushi

Kelly: Ibushi sending a strong message that he's a top contender for the championship. I was hoping to see a better showing out of Rampage Brown, maybe he was nervous.
Gedo: I told you Kelly that these outsiders are no match for New Japan wrestlers.

Jay White vs. Will Ospreay 30 minutes

White jumps Ospreay when his back is turned. Red Shoes hasn't even given his instructions yet. White is attacking Ospreay and shoves Red Shoes down. White then picks up Ospreay and puts him in the "Tree of Woe" and tries to choke the life out of the Brit. Red Shoes has already lost control and can't get the "Switchblade" off of Ospreay. Red Shoes rings the bell anyway to start the match and his allows White to pick the bones of Will as he is almost out of it. White picks Ospreay up and hits his "Kiwi Krusher" but can only get a count of 2. White then applies a crossface, trying to submit Ospreay. Ospreay however, is able to reach the ropes for the break. White is starting to argue with Red Shoes and this allows Ospreay to hit White with a double leg takedown. Ospreay is laying the forearms to the head of White, as White is trying to cover up. Ospreay grabs White by the air and whips him into the ropes. Ospreay then rebounds himself off the far ropes and nails a beautiful Essex Destroyer. Ospreay is on fire as a hits a prone White with a standing shooting star press. Ospreay sensing victory with his back to White, leaps off the middle turnbuckle and goes for the OsCutter. White counters by kicking a falling Ospreay in the back of the head as he hits the canvas. Wasting no time, White picks Ospreay right back up and delivers a Blade Runner in the middle of the ring. White goes for the cover and doesn't even need to hook a leg and gets the victory.

WINNER in 6:11, Jay White

Kelly: White is despicable! I'm sure you loved that Gedo.
Gedo: Just smiles.

Kento Miyahara vs. Satoshi Kojima 30 minute time limit

The match starts out with Kojima getting an advantage by using his superior bulk. The tide turns when Kojima tries to end the match early and misses a Lariat. Kento is able to start to work on the neck of Kojima. He's trying to soften him up for later in the match. Kento hits numerous neck breakers on suplexes, doing damage to Kojima's neck and upper back. Kento and Kojima are both on their feet as they start to show that fighting spirit and slug it out in the ring. Kojima is getting the best of the exchange and as Kento is on one knee, Kojima hits Miyahara with a Lariat, appearing to injure him. Kojima sees his chances and picks up Kento in a Full Nelson. He has him in this for 15 seconds or so and then starts to transition into the Koji Cutter. This was a mistake as Kento had this well scouted, as he blocks the Cutter with a knee into the gut of Kojima. Kojima turns around as Kento charges him and hits him with "Blackout", Which is a high running knee. Sensing that Kojima is knocked woozy, he picks Koji up for His move the "Break Heart" double under hook face buster. He rolls over Kojima and gets the pinfall.

WINNER in 7:18, Kento Miyahara.

Kelly: A strong showing by the newcomer Miyahara. The former Ace of the former AJPW made quick work over the veteran Kojima. The last of the 1st round matches is next.

KAI vs. Tetsuya Naito 30 minute time limit

Naito is taking his good old time getting into the ring and taking off his ring gear. Naito is trying to back off KAI by saying his favorite phase Tranquilo. KAI hearing none of this charges as Marty Asami rings the bell. KAI is all over Naito, as Naito is trying to cover his face in the corner. KAI pulls Naito towards the center of the ring and starts to work on the bandaged up left shoulder of Naito. KAI puts a series of armbars and joint holds, trying to further injure the already banged up Naito. KAI scoops Naito up for a shoulder breaker, but Naito slides off his back and knees KAI in his lower back. As KAI turns around, he sees Naito bouncing off the ropes hitting a flying forearm to the head of KAI. KAI is dazed as Naito goes on the offense, attacking him with a series of neck breakers and DDT's. Naito moves KAI over to the turnbuckle and jumps from the top, hitting a Tornado DDT. Naito covers, but gets only a 2 count for his efforts. Naito this time climbs the ropes and goes for a somersault senton, but KAI moves out of the way just in a nick of time. KAI stands up and starts to kick at the injured should of Naito. KAI does this for several minutes and he feels it's time to end the match. KAI scoops Naito up and this time holds him on his shoulders forever. He walks around the ring and from the corner he starts to run and jumps into the arm, nailing Naito with a jumping shoulder breaker. He goes for the cover, but can only get a long 2 count. KAI then bounces off the ropes and hits Naito for 2 elbows to his shoulder. KAI picks Naito off the canvas again, trying to go for another jumping shoulder breaker. He has Naito at the corner, but Naito uses his feet to push off the buckle and this allows Naito to land on his feet and kick KAI square in the stomach. Naito goes on the offense as he hits several forearms to KAI's head, trying to stagger him. Naito then hits a Dragon suplex and instead of going for a cover, he picks a weakened KAI and gets DESTINO not once, but twice. He makes the cover as Asami counts to 3.

WINNER in 10:39, Tetsuya Naito

 

[Captain Redneck]

JAN 28TH Korakuen Hall

Kelly: The first round had some great action and one major upset. I can not wait to see on what round 2 has in store.

Here are the round 2 matches:

Kaito Kiyomiya vs. KENOH
Zach Sabre Jr. vs. Kazuchika Okada
Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White
Kento Miyahara vs. Tetsuya Naito

Kelly: Let's get to the action of round 2.

Kaito Kiyomiya vs. KENOH  30 minute time limit

Marty Asami has already warned KENOH about attacking before the bell. This doesn't stop KENOH as a attacks Kaito as he's taking off his entrance attire. KENOH uses 6 running knee strikes to the head of Kiyomiya. KENOH sensing blood delivers a Bridging full nelson suplex and then a sit out suplex slam. He covers for the cover and Kaito barely gets a shoulder up at 2 3/4. KENOH sits Kaito up and practically kicks the face off of Kiyomiya with his Kebou kick. Wanting to do more damage, KENOH stands on the middle rope and hits a double stomp to the upper chest of Kiyomiya. KENOH puts his boot on Kaito for the cover as Asami counts to 3. Another dominant performance out of KENOH as the doctor has to come in as Kiyomiya was busted open and possibly has a broken nose and cheekbone.

WINNER in 3:44, KENOH

Gedo: I guess that as you Americans like to say, isn't getting paid by the hour in these matches.
Kelly: Something has to be done about KENOH attacking wrestlers before the match has started.

Zach Sabre Jr. Kazuchika Okada 30 minute time limit

Sabre Jr. gets the momentum early as he takes Okada down and starts to work on his legs. Okada looks tired after his grueling match with Tanahashi. Sabre put Okada in several different types of leg locks and joint holds as Okada is already in dire straits. Sabre has Okada looking to get to the ropes, but Okada is pulled back into the center of the ring as Sabre applies a Boston Crab. Sabre has this on for 5 minutes as Red Shoes keeps asking Okada if he wants to give up. Sabre releases the hold and stands up to apply an ankle lock. This gives Okada a chance to use his right leg and kick Sabre in the jaw several times to stun him. Okada does this 3 more times and Sabre loses grip and Okada limps to the ropes. It almost appears that the ropes are holding Okada upas Sabre runs towards Okada, Okada side-steps him and Sabre is pushed onto the ring apron. Okada and Sabre are hitting forearms trying to get an advantage as Red Shoes is counting Sabre to get back into the ring. His count is at 6 as Okada steps to the outside and yanks Sabre feet first off the apron and down to the floor. Okada picks Sabre up and drives him into the barricade. Okada then proceeds to run from the opposite end in of ringside area, and clotheslines Sabre into the crowd. Red Shoes started a new count when Okada left the ring and is up to 10. As the count reaches 13, Okada is back in the ring, while Sabre is crawling back towards the ring. Sabre beats the count at 18 and Okada gets bit vicious and starts to attack Sabre along the ropes, but breaks when Red Shoes gets to 4. Okada hits heavy rain, but only is able to get a 2 count. Okada shoots Sabre into the ropes and hits his incredible Million Dollar dropkick and the momentum sends Sabre stumbling into the corner. Okada charges and hits Sabre with a basement dropkick. Okada picks his man up for a DDT and then sets him up for a bridging German suplex, but again, can only get a count of 2.  Okada picks up the groggy Sabre and grabs his arm to apply the Cobra Clutch. However, Sabre blocks this and turns it into a cross arm breaker. Sabre has Okada towards the middle of the ring, but Okada is able to use his long frame to have his leg touch the bottom rope for the break. Sabre goes for a Omoplata, but Okada sees it coming kicks the knee of Sabre out from under him. Seeing a chance, Okada jumps on top of his man and tangles him into "Red Ink". Okada has had the STF on for 2 minutes and Sabre grabs the ropes. Okada breaks and this time hits Sabre with a Discus Lariat, just as Sabre is getting up. Okada seeing Sabre injured, grabs him again and quickly hits Heavy Rain once more and decides to not cover him and picks him up for a back drop suplex. Okada says the end is near by hitting his Rainmaker pose. Sabre is standing up and Okada grabs the wrist and hits the Rainmaker. Okada covers as Red Shoes counts, but Sabre surprises everyone by kicking out at 2! Okada grabs Sabre, but he counters into a Cobra Twist. After several minutes of pain, Sabre then tries to counter into Napalm Death, but Okada is one step ahead and is able to use his long legs to kick Sabre in the head. This allows Okada to roll away and to gather his balance. Sabre is now up and Okada hits his own Sling Blade and transitions into an Air Raid neck breaker. Okada goes to end it all when he scoops Sabre up and hits a jumping Tombstone Plie driver. This then sets up the Rain Maker and he hits his mark as Sabre just crumbles to the canvas. Okada covers and this time gets the 3 count.

WINNER in 22:47, Kazuchika Okada

Kelly: WOW! Another tough and grueling match for the Rainmaker. 
Gedo: Before you say anything more, I'm the one who has taught him everything he knows about being a winner.

Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White 30 minute time limit

Both wrestlers had easy matches in the 1st round. One by dominating his opponent and one by using every dirty trick he could think of and use. The match has been back and forth for the first 15 minutes as both wrestlers have used their scouting reports to get advantage. White is able to get take control after Ibushi misses a 450 splash off the top rope. White starts to attack the head of Ibushi by repeatedly beating his head into the canvas. Marty Asami is trying to get White off to check on the condition of Ibushi, but White isn't having it. White then stops to pick Kota up and delivers a Saito suplex followed by a Dragon suplex. Instead of going for the cover, White has Kota on his shoulders and starts an airplane spin, in which he turns into a running Death Valley Driver. He goes for the cover, but only gets 2 1/2 for his troubles. White then hits an Ura -nage to soften Ibushi up for the Switchblade. He covers Kota as Asami counts to 3.

WINNER in 19:32, Jay White

Kelly: Your man Switchblade moves on Gedo.
Gedo: Just smiles

Kento Miyahara vs. Tetsuya Naito 30 minute time limit

Another match in which no one can get the upper hand. Over 20 minutes go by as Kento is able to hit Blackout to the side of a kneeling Naito. Kento is now on the attack, trying to finish off Naito. Naito counters a suplex by hitting GLORIA as both men on laying on the mat. Red Shoes starts to count both men out and they both manage to get up at the count of 8. Naito whips Kento into the corner, charges and hits a Tornado DDT.  Naito picks up Miyahara for 4 Dragon suplexes and then sets him up for DESTINO. Miyahara counters as soon as Naito starts to pick him up by shifting his body weight over. Naito stunned by this, doesn't see another Blackout coming his way. Naito appears to be knocked out from the knee as Kento sets up for Break Heart and Naito crashes to the mat. Miyahara rolls over Naito and hooks the near leg for the win.

WINNER in 26:11, Kento Miyahara

[Captain Redneck]

JAN 28TH Korakuen Hall

Kelly: It's the Semi-finals and the winners will go to the February 23rd Tokyo Dome show to determine the winner of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Here are the matches.

KENOH vs. Kazuchika Okada
Jay White vs. Kento Miyahara

KENOH vs. Kazuchika Okada  60 minute time limit

Red Shoes has KENOH out of the ring as Okada enters. Okada quickly takes off his rope and is ready for battle. KENOH is the fresh man here as he has barely wrestled more then 5 minutes in this tournament. Okada has been through 2 long, tough matches and as the bell rings, KENOH goes on the attack, not letting Okada take a breath. Okada has been dominated for almost 18 minutes now and has blood running down his face, after a Kebou connected, opening up a large cut above his forehead. KENOH thinks it's time to put Okada away and goes for Ragou, which is a Gory special flipped into a sitout powerbomb. He hits this and covers Okada, but only gets a long 2 count. The crowd is 100% behind Okada as he struggles to stay in the match. KENOH goes for another one, but Okada slips out and picks KENOH up for Heavy Rain.  Now it's Okada on the war path, hitting KENOH with forearms, kicks and elbows to the neck of his opponent. KENOH is reeling and is trying to escape, but Okada grabs him and hits a dragon suplex and then he is hit with another Heavy Rain. Okada is looking to finish him off by scooping him up and hitting a jumping Tombstone plie driver. Okada sees blood, especially his own and turns things up a notch. Okada hits various Dragon & German suplexes, almost like he's trying to knock KENOH out. KENOH has taken a lot of punishment the past 8 minutes and Okada decides enough is enough and picks KENOH up and hit 4 Rainmaker, each one harder then the previous one. Okada puts his foot on the fallen KENOH's chest and tell Red Shoes to make the count. Red Shoes does and counts to 3 and KENOH isn't moving. 

WINNER in 28:17, Kazuchika Okada

Kelly: Okada is on to the finals. He will need all the rest that he can after those 3 tiring matches.
Gedo: Okada owes his success to me!

Jay White vs. Kento Miyahara 60 minute time limit

Asami rings the bell and it's all Kento Miyahara. Kento's big match experience is on full display here as White can't do anything against the former AJPW Ace. After 10 minutes, White is able to get an opening after Kento sets to early on a back drop. White goes after the neck of Miyahara, trying to weaken it up for a big finish. White delivers several minutes worth of suplexes and neck breakers to Kento and finally decides to go for it all. He picks up Kento for a ura-nage and hits it. Instead of covering his man, he picks him up again, setting up for the Kiwi Krusher. Kento counters and puts a cross arm breaker/triangle choke hold known as the Snake Pit on White. White is is trouble and is starting to go nightly night. After several minutes, Miyahara lets go and stands White up and hits Blackout and goes straight into Break Heart and goes for the cover. Asami counts out the lifeless White as Miyahara goes onto the finals!

WINNER in 16:52, Kento Miyahara

Kelly: Everything is set as it will be Kento Miyahara vs. Kazuchika Okada for the right to hold the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Our next card will be on February 3rd coming live from the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. This is be for the newly minted IWGP Super Heavyweight Championship. Thank you from watching on NJPW World and the other networks around the globe that carries NJPW.

 

[Scarlet-Left]

It's great that you put the effort in to deliver full match write-ups. I'll try doing one when I post Nitro tomorrow. Anyway, I'm rooting for Miyahara.

[Captain Redneck]

30 minutes ago, Scarlet-Left said:

It's great that you put the effort in to deliver full match write-ups. I'll try doing one when I post Nitro tomorrow. Anyway, I'm rooting for Miyahara.

Thanks. It took me 5.5 hours today and I started to shorten them as I went along. The finals have 2 of the 4 Aces stable going at it. After the tournaments are done, I won't be writing full matches that often, takes too much time.

[Captain Redneck]

 

[Captain Redneck]

Been sick, might or might not have a card for Monday.

[Captain Redneck]

Feb 4th, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium 

Kevin Kelly: Welcome to the start of the IWGP Super Heavyweight Tournament. To be in this weight class, you must weight at least, 265 lbs. to be eligible. There are a lot of big names in this field and it should be interesting on who makes the finals.
Gedo: Watch out for Bad Luck Fale in this. He should steam roll through the competition.

Suwama vs. Jake Hager 1 fall 30 minutes:

Both wrestlers are locking for the exact moment that they can strike and get the advantage. Hager is using his strong amateur skills early on, keeping the more powerful Suwama off balanced. The first 14 minutes are a back and forth affair, until Suwama catches Hager napping and delivers a powerful forearm that floors Hager. It's interesting that in this bout, both wrestlers like to use the same type of moves to finish an opponent. Suwama is taking control of Hager with suplex after suplex. The crowd is getting behind the more well known Suwama and the veteran is feeding off of it. Suwama uses a camel clutch of all things to soften up the back of Hager. Hager is getting weak and Suwama releases the hold, just to deliver a few more German suplexes. The end comes after Suwama lifts Hager high in the air and drops him with a powerbomb. Suwama gets the cover and the win.

WINNER in 18:32, Suwama

Joe Doering vs. Yuji Hino 1 fall, 30 minutes.

This is expected to be a brawl and it doesn't disappoint. Doering and Hino are going at it all over the arena. There was some bad blood between the 2 before coming to New Japan and it's starting to show in this first round bout. Both wrestlers are hitting one another with chairs and what not, but neither man is backing down. Doering has picked up Hino on the outside and drives him onto the guardrail with a powerbomb, with Hino's neck bouncing off of it like a super ball. Doering gets back into the ring as Marty Asami's count is at 11. Hino somehow makes it back to the ring at 18. Doering's onslaught continues as he is punishing the neck of Hino. After several minutes of this, Hino tries a comeback, but is stopped before it gets started. Doering decides to end things with his Revolution Bomb to get the win.

WINNER in 9:22, Joe Doering

Daisuke Sekimoto vs. Yuji Okabayashi 1 fall, 30 minutes

This 2 partners know each other well as they have fought each other before and have held several tag team titles. Okabayashi starts off by using his bulk to outpower the strong Sekimoto. Both wrestlers try to gain an upper hand, but they know each other too well and it's basically a stalemate after the first 20 minutes. Sekimoto takes control after spinning out of a Oklahoma Stampede and hits a Lariat, shaking Yuji to his core. Sekimoto quickly picks him up and hits 2 more lariats before coming for a cover, but only getting a 2 count. Sekimoto attacks the neck and hits several bridging Dragon suplexes, but once again, only for a 2 count. Sekimoto climbs the ropes and dives onto his sometimes tag team partner, but Okabayashi, sees it coming and rolls to safety. Sekimoto is hold his chest as Yuji goes over a scoops Sekimoto up and this time, hits his Oklahoma Stampede for the victory.

WINNER in 24:58, Yuji Okabayashi

Bad Luck Fale vs. Kohei Sato 1 fall, 30 minutes

As big as Sato is, Fale appears to block out the sun and as soon as Fale enters the ring, he just continues towards Sato and attacks as the bell rings. Fale uses his bulk to crush him into the corner and then to the outside. Fale hits him with clubbing forearms to his chest and back as Sato tries to get a few seconds of rest. Fale makes a mistake when he whips Sato into the guardrail, charges, but misses and actually flips over the guardrail onto himself after he falls over. The count is up to 15 as Sato makes it back to the ring. Fale can't make it back and is counted out.

WINNER in 4:28, Kohei Sato

Cody Hall vs. Willie Mack

The crowd appears to be in awe of Willie Mack as he saunters his way to the ring. Hall tries to attack him as he enters, but Mack is too quick for Hall and fights back with forearms to the head. "Big Willie", takes control working on the chest of Hall. Mack's style is confusing Hall, as Hall doesn't see too many 275lb men doing Lucha style moves. Hall doesn't have an answer and is getting frustrated and takes a powder to the outside. Thinking he's save, but he's not as Mack bounces over the ropes and hits Hall full force with a tope and they both crash into the guardrail. Mack grabs Hall and throws him back into the ring and as Hall is dazed Mack hits an elbow to further injure Hall. Seeing Hall down, Mack grabs Hall, picks him up and hits his "Chocolate Thunder" Driver and down to the canvas Hall goes. Mack covers and gets the easy 3 count.

WINNER in 6:30, Willie Mack

WALTER vs. Lance Archer

Archer is in the ring, trying to intimate WALTER, but the large European is just staring straight ahead. The bell rings and WALTER hits Archer right away with a shotgun dropkick and Archer just flies into the corner. The crowd is in awe as Archer is laying flat on his back and WALTER picks Archer up and sits him on the top rope, WALTER then climbs the same ropes, grabs Archer and nails him with a powerful butterfly suplex.  WALTER grabs Archer again and hits a powerbomb, covers and the squash is over.

WINNER in 1:22, WALTER

[Captain Redneck]

Kevin Kelly: That was a dominant effort by WALTER and Willie Mack had the crowd eating out of his hands. The 2nd round should be as action packed and the stakes get even higher.

GEDO: That WALTER was a beast! Would love to see Fale & WALTER mix it up at sometime.

Suwama VS. Joe Doering  1 fall, 30 minutes

These partners act like that they don't like each other as Doering attacks before the bell and throws Suwama, a la, Stan Hansen, outside the ring. Doering goes to work and is throwing chairs at Suwama's head, but Suwama is able to tackle Doering and starts to pound away on the outside. The count is at 12 and Suwama re-enters the ring and Doering appears to be split open. Suwama goes after the wound and is ripping at the cut with his hands and teeth, as the blood flows into the eyes of Doering. Doering stumbles to his feet, swinging wildly and knocking down referee Asami. Suwama hits several German suplexes before grabbing Doering of the mat and takes Doering over again with a bridging half nelson suplex. Suwama covers, but can only get 2 1/2, surprising Suwama. Doering is trying to hold on as Suwama is beating on Doering with everything he has. Suwama sends Doering into the ropes and misses his own Lariat, and as Suwama turns around, he see Doering coming at him like a locomotion and hits Suwama with a Thesz press. Doering's going on the offense, trying to dish out some of his own medicine back to Suwama, and suddenly the bell rings. Referee Asami stops the match stating that Doering has lost too much blood and awards it to Suwama.

WINNER via Referee stoppage, Suwama in 8:41

Yuji Okabayashi VS. Kohei Sato 1 fall, 30 minutes

This is no match as Yuji just destroys Sato from the beginning. Yuji decides to punish the back of the taller Sato, cutting him down to size and then proceeds to beat the hell out of him. Sato has no defense for big Yuji as Yuji says enough is enough and lifts Sato up into his Argentine Backbreaker and Sato has no other choice then to give up.

WINNER via Submission IN 5:44, Yuji Okabayashi

Willie Mack vs. WALTER

Talk about a contrast of styles, we see "Big Willie" get the better of the speed battle early on. Willie has the early advantage, until WALTER stops Mack when he catches a rebounding Mack off the ropes and literally throws him over the ropes and Mack hits the concrete with a thud. Mack isn't moving as Asami counts to 14, 15, 16, etc. Big Willie isn't moving and this is over!

WINNER in 3:17 via CO, WALTER

Kelly: The next 2 wrestlers will be decided via a simple drawing of the hat. It's WALTER, Okabayashi & Suwama going to determine the next match and the wrestler not selected will be going directly to the finals. All 3 wrestlers are in the ring and after senior official Tiger Hattori hands the ring announcer the results, it will be WALTER vs. Suwama in the next match and this means that Yuji Okabayashi will automatically reaches the finals.

[Captain Redneck]

Kelly: It's the road to the finals as WALTER has been dominating with power and sheer force, while Suwama is a veteran who has a lot more experience and that could come into play.

GEDO: The winner has to face Yuji Okabayashi and that won't be easy for either who makes it to the finals. 

WALTER vs. Suwama 1 fall, 45 minute time limit

When WALTER walks to the ring, there seems to be a buzz and while that might be well and good, experience could have a say on who wins this bout. WALTER and Suwama stand in the middle as Red Shoes gives out the instructions. Suwama shoves WALTER and smiles. WALTER stands there stoically as Suwama talks down to him. WALTER then shoves Suwama back and Suwama goes flying into the air. Suwama gets up and charges WALTER, but WALTER shows amazing agility as he side steps Suwama and Suwama falls flat on his face. As Suwama gets to his knees  WALTER hits him with a running knee to the back to his head and Suwama just crumbles. Red Shoes checks on Suwama, but WALTER sees his opening and goes on the attack. Elbows & knees come raining down to the back of Suwama's head and neck and Suwama is simply trying to cover up at this point. Suwama finally gets away and goes to the corner. WALTER charges and it's more knees to the head of his opposition. Several minutes of this and Suwama is flat on the concrete floor. WALTER goes to get him and with Suwama's chest facing the ring apron, WALTER hits one devastating forearm after another to the back of Suwama's neck. Suwama falls to the floor as Red Shoes counts. WALTER is back in the ring as Suwama is laying in a heap. The count is at 15 when Suwama is able to pull himself up and roll back to the inside. It's all WALTER and it's this way for the first 10 minutes. Suwama finally has something go his way as WALTER misses a knee drop and is holding his leg. Suwama goes to work on the left leg and ankle of WALTER, trying to get away his power. Suwama is trying to turn WALTER over onto his stomach and after a few tries, he is able to and Suwama has an ankle lock on WALTER. WALTER is still stoic but is trying and is able to reach the ropes for the break. WALTER stands up, but Suwama comes with a chop block and WALTER's face finally shows some discomfort. Suwama is working on the leg, but WALTER won't give in. Suwama lets go and as WALTER starts to stand, it's a knee to the chops of big WALTER. WALTER is now hurt and Suwama lifts WALTER and executes a vertical brain buster. Suwama covers, but for only a 1 count. Suwama looks stunned and WALTER sits up slowly and as Suwama approaches, WALTER snatches him while on the mat. He then throws Suwama across the ring and the crowd goes crazy. WALTER is back up and starts to pound on Suwama. He continues to soften him up and hits one German suplex after another. Suwama looks out on his feet and he soon will be as WALTER goes behind Suwama and applies a Rear Neck Choke and out goes Suwama that fast. WALTER on to the Tokyo Dome and the finals!

WINNER, via submission in 18:34, WALTER

KEVIN KELLY: Our IWGP Super Heavyweight Final will be WALTER going against Yuji Okabayashi and this will be a physical encounter. WALTER has destroyed everyone to the point of toying with them, while Okabayashi has a tougher, but shorter road then WALTER. See you all next week when we come to you on NJPW World from Ryogoku Kokugikan and the 16 man IC Title Tournament.