Titan def Nagai 4:35 via Gideon 1.21
Another fun opener from Nagai, Titan did a good job at making him look semi-credible. Titan gives Nagai his entrance mask and carries him to the back.
Kanemaru def Young 2:50 via Low Blow into a Modified Rollup
Quick match that ends with a dirty finish after Zane tries to get involved and is low-blown, followed by a low blow to Young and a rollup.
Taguchi def Valiente Jr 0:49 via Referee Stoppage
I am a sad man, say what you want about me. Valiente lands poorly on a handspring moonsault, and the match is called off. If this is a major injury, then that's horrible for Valiente. Taguchi has now tied Liger's win record and performs a small dance number post-match.
SHO def KUSHIDA 9:45 via Black Mirror assisted Snake Bite
SHO grabs the mic pre-match to try and bait KUSHIDA into taking the dogs out, but as KUSHIDA loosens his boot, SHO strikes. SHO sells KUSHIDA like death. SHO has finally beaten KUSHIDA on his ninth attempt.
Akira def Wayne 10:08 via Rollup while pulling tights
This was a very fun match. Akira is pulling his weight plus some in the tournament. I would recommend.
Sasaki def Hyo 9:34 via Arm Trap Face Lock
Another excellent match from Sasaki. Hyo shows what he is really capable of. Lots of fun moments, especially the finishing stretch. Would highly recommend.
Wato def Robbie X 9:10 via Recientemente
These crowds are really getting behind Robbie X as there is a loud chant for him at the opening bell. This was another fun match, and the crowd was hot for it. Robbie's eye is looking a lot better.
YOH def Ishimori 12:24 via Direct Drive
I don't know how many times I can say this without it ringing hollow, but this was another very good match; both men brought it and sold their injuries well. Would recommend.
Kasai def Fujita 12:58 via Inside Cradle
Fujita & Kasai figured out that you can't get DQed if the bell hasn't rung yet, so get the chairs before that match starts. Fujita gets colour early in the match. To put it bluntly, these two men beat the shit out of each other, chairs, tables, forks, syringes. Not a full deathmatch, but the closest you'll find in NJPW.
Eagles def Desperado 17:50 via Hyperion
This was an absolute banger of a match; both men gave it their all and absolutely tore the house down. This would be my match of the tournament so far.
A Block Standings
Titan – 6 points
Ryusuke Taguchi – 6 points
Kosei Fujita – 4 points
Valiente Jr. – 2 points
Francesco Akira – 2 points
Nick Wayne – 2 points
Master Wato – 2 points
Robbie X – 2 points
Jun Kasai – 2 points
Daiki Nagai – 0 points
B Block Standings
SHO – 6 points
Daisuke Sasaki – 6 points
YOH – 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru – 2 points
KUSHIDA – 2 points
Hyo – 2 points
Taiji Ishimori – 2 points
Robbie Eagles – 2 points
El Desperado – 2 points
Jakob Austin Young – 0 points
* Note, I will not be able to write up the next two shows as I will be working while they are happening
by moagrieve