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Post by DTP. on May 30, 2016 10:57:54 GMT -5
| WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER June 8, 2015 by Dave Meltzer |
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FINALS
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New Japan's Best of the Super Juniors tour was completed this week, ending in Yoyogi Gym for a match of the year candidate in Kushida vs Matt Sydal. It was a make-it or break-it match, in the sense that Kushida has been banged up pretty bad throughout the gruelling tournament, and Matt Sydal is coming back to the States with two broken ribs. He's been working through the injuries, because for a debuting star like Sydal in Japan, it's important to try and not miss any dates. Sydal should be good to return in time for Dominion, if he is booked. If not, there is talk of using him a lot in the next couple of tours.
The tournament has had some great matches, including a handful of dazzling performances from CMLL imports Dragon Lee and Kamaitachi, who are definitely stars to watch this year. They've been putting on some of the best matches in Mexico City, and they had a heck of a match on the first night of the tournament in Korakuen Hall. There is talk of bringing Dragon Lee in, as well as Kamaitachi back from excursion (he previously trained in New Japan Dojo). However, Kamaitachi is hesitant about returning so soon, after only leaving for CMLL in late 2013.
There should be more emphasis in the juniors division in the coming months, as management feel the tour really revitalized the importance of the division. Attendance was up, particularly through the final couple of dates, including a sellout of Yoyogi Gym on the final night.
New Japan officially unveiled plans for the G-1 Climax during the final night of Best of the Super Juniors. The tournament follows a similar setup to last year, but word has it that they will be following with 20 participants, which is 2 less than last year. One would suspect that the tournament will feature members of Suzuki-gun, who have not been seen in New Japan since they "invaded" Pro Wrestling Noah at the start of the year. It would be interesting to see them book Minoru Suzuki in the tournament this year, especially when he is now GHC Heavyweight Champion and wants to be this year's Tokyo Sports' voted Outstanding Wrestler in remaining undefeated all year long.
Management are looking at bringing in select outsider talents regardless, but there is no word on whether this could mean talents from Pro Wrestling Noah, Ring of Honor, or CMLL. One would suspect Roderick Strong from ROH would definitely come in, being his expected involvement in Dominion next month. La Sombra is the only name I can think of that has a following in Japan, and being an IWGP Intercontinental Champion before definitely gives him some name value. Also word of whoever the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion joining the G-1 this year, similar to Kota Ibushi in 2013.
The tour begins on 7/20 in Sapporo, and runs Shizuoka on 7/23, Kyoto on 7/24, Kagawa on 7/25, Hiroshima on 7/26, Oita on 7/28, Fukuoka on 7/29, Osaka on 8/1 (and typically one of the bigger shows of the year), Nagoya on 8/2, Miyagi on 8/4, Iwate on 8/5, 8/7 in Shizuoka again, 8/8 in Kanagawa, and then the last six shows will be in Tokyo. They run Korakuen Hall on 8/9, 8/11 and 8/12, and then wrap up the tournament in Sumo Hall on 8/14, 8/15 and 8/16.
It's suspected that all of the tour shows will be on New Japan World, which is new for the G-1 this year. In previous years the company charged for a G-1 special package, which would allow viewers to get all shows live for over $100, but with New Japan World's monthly subscription service, one can get all shows available at $8.99.
The winner will win a briefcase that is similar to WWE's Money in the Bank, with the winner getting an IWGP Heavyweight Championship shot in the future. They will defend the briefcase like a title through the Autumn months, and then cash in ahead of time, usually setting up Wrestle Kingdom in the Tokyo Dome show on 1/4.
NJPW President Takaaki Kidani revealed at a press conference something known as the LIONSGATE project. Essentially what this means is that as part of a project based around the Young Lions of New Japan (and just about anywhere else in Japan, namely Pro Wrestling Noah one would imagine). The idea seems to be that instead of having longer show cards with Young Lions added to the card, that the Young Lions will get their own mini-show almost as some sort of pre-show to the main card's beginning. The idea is that these shows will take place half an hour before the main show begins, and feature one or two select matches with the younger stars being the focus. This is an experimental idea that may or may not last, as audience fatigue may be a problem with the added show element. It is suspected that these matches will then be available on delay, rather than live.
With Best of the Super Juniors out of the way, we are expecting a full match card for New Japan's next big show (and usually one of the biggest shows of the year for them), Dominion on July 5. The card, taking place in Osaka-jo Hall, is currently assumed to feature Hiroshi Tanahashi vs A.J. Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Roderick Strong vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, Daisuke Sekimoto vs Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship and Kenny Omega vs Kushida for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Other matches one would expect to be added include Mike Bennett & Matt Taven vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, Kazushi Sakuraba vs Yuji Nagata was also talked about. Kazuchika Okada vs Karl Anderson appears to be getting a third PPV match as well, with both men tied one apiece (Anderson at New Japan Cup, Okada at Wrestling Dontaku). Tetsuya Naito will be back from his trip to Mexico with CMLL, where he joined heel faction Los Ingobernables.
Shows leading up to Dominion include Mie on 6/26, Gifu on 6/27, Korakuen Hall on 6/28, Chiba on 7/1, Korakuen Hall again on 7/3, and finally Dominion on 7/5. We're also expecting cards for these shows to be revealed soon enough.
New Japan did a sell-out of Tochigi on 5/28 with 600 people, but failed to sell out Korakuen Hall on 5/30, which is alarming. It appears that the oversaturation of overuse of Korakuen Hall on a regular basis is effecting New Japan's attendance there, which has historically been their version of Madison Square Garden. Numazu on 6/1 drew 1,140, Ibaraki on 6/2 drew 764. Nagoya on 7/3 sold out with 1,700. Chino also sold out with 630 (and has a hidden gem in the amazing match between Kyle O'Reilly and Kushida). Korakuen Hall on 6/5 sold out, as did Yoyogi Gym on 6/7.
David Finlay III, upon completing his first tour with Best of the Super Juniors, will be officially starting full-time at the New Japan Dojo training alongside Jay White, Cody Hall and the Japanese young boys.
Before the next tour begins on 6/26, New Japan are running two shows in Singapore at the Expo Hall on 6/20 and 6/21. The main event for night one has Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin Liger vs Kazuchika Okada & Gedo, whilst night two has Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto. Captain New Japan, Togi Makabe, Yoshi-Hashi, Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka will also be on the tour.
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Post by DTP. on May 30, 2016 15:22:48 GMT -5
| SUZUKI-GUN SPOTLIGHT |
WE ARE SUZUKI-GUN Tuesday, June 9, 2015 - Korakuen Hall - Bunkyo, Tokyo
The New Japan Pro Wrestling affiliated faction Suzuki-gun were able to negotiate a live show broadcast on New Japan World that aired on June 9. Despite being no longer featured regularly on New Japan programming, having been dedicated on invading Pro Wrestling NOAH this year, the show featured several New Japan and NOAH talents. This show was booked by members of the Suzuki-gun faction.
1. Naomichi Marufuji vs Yuji Nagata ended in a time limit draw at 15:00. Marufuji hit Nagata with the running knee lift at the time of the bell sounding.
3. Zack Sabre Jr & Gedo def. Captain New Japan & Captain NOAH in 12:24 after the cross-armbreaker by Sabre Jr on Captain New Japan.
4. Yoshinari Ogawa & Jushin Thunder Liger def. Suzuki-gun (Taichi & El Desperado) in 10:15 after the roll-up from Ogawa on Desperado. After the match, Liger ripped the mask of El Desperado off and threw it into the crowd.
5. Daisuke Harada & Takashi Sugiura def. Suzuki-gun (Shelton X Benjamin & TAKA Michinoku) in 13:26 after the Katayama German suplex by Harada on Michinoku.
6. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr) def. TenCozy (Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan) in 14:08 to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championships after the Killer Bomb on Kojima. ***STILL CHAMPIONS***
7. Maybach Taniguchi & Yoshihiro Takayama def. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka) in 12:23 after the Everest German suplex by Takayama on Iizuka.
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Post by DTP. on May 31, 2016 11:03:17 GMT -5
| REVOLUTION PRO WRESTLING SPOTLIGHT |
SUMMER SIZZLER 2015 Sunday, June 14, 2015 - York Hall - Bethnal Green, London
In the United Kingdom, a promotion called Revolution Pro Wrestling has been producing blowaway shows since its formation in the summer of 2012. With working relationships with international promotions such as Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Revolution Pro's biggest highlights are the shows in York Hall.
2. Big Damo def. Tomohiro Ishii in 13:07 after the Van-Damonator.
3. Shinsuke Nakamura def. Mark Haskins in 13:29 after the BomaYe. Big Damo came out and challenged Nakamura to a singles match next time that Shinsuke returns to England.
4. Will Ospreay def. Matt Sydal in 25:10 to retain the RPW Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship in a two-out-of-three-falls match. Sydal won the first fall with a Shooting Star Press in 7:12. Ospreay tied up with a fall after the bridging pin in 15:19. Ospreay won the match after corkscrew shooting star press. Sydal's ribs were taped for this match. ***STILL CHAMPION***
6. A.J. Styles def. Marty Scurll in 18:52 to win the RPW Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship after the Styles Clash. After the match, Scurll tried to attack Styles but Ospreay made the save. All three men had an argument before a match was set up for October 2 with a triple threat match announced for the title. ***NEW CHAMPION***
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Post by DTP. on May 31, 2016 11:32:00 GMT -5
| NJPW DOMINION 7.5 Sunday, July 5, 2015 - Osaka-jō Hall - Kyōbashi, Osaka |
Champion HIROSHI TANAHASHI (SEKIGUN)
| IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challenger A.J. STYLES (BULLET CLUB)
| Champion RODERICK STRONG (ROH)
| IWGP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challenger SHINSUKE NAKAMURA (CHAOS)
| KARL ANDERSON (BULLET CLUB)
| SPECIAL SINGLES MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | Champion DAISUKE SEKIMOTO (G.B.H.) | NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challenger TOMOHIRO ISHII (CHAOS)
| Champions MICHAEL BENNETT (THE KINGDOM) MATT TAVEN (THE KINGDOM)
| IWGP TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challengers KATSUYORI SHIBATA (MEIYU TAG) HIROOKI GOTO (MEIYU TAG)
| Champion KENNY OMEGA (BULLET CLUB)
| IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challenger KUSHIDA (SEKIGUN)
| Champions NICK JACKSON (YOUNG BUCKS) MATT JACKSON (YOUNG BUCKS) | IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | Challengers BARRETA (ROPPONGI VICE) ROCKY ROMERO (ROPPONGI VICE) | TORU YANO (CHAOS) YOSHI-HASHI (CHAOS) KAZUSHI SAKURABA (CHAOS) | SPECIAL 6-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | DOC GALLOWS (BULLET CLUB) BAD LUCK FALE (BULLET CLUB) TAMA TONGA (BULLET CLUB) | TOGI MAKABE (G.B.H.) TOMOAKI HONMA (G.B.H.) JUSHIN LIGER (HÉROES VOLADORES) MÁSCARA DORADA (HÉROES VOLADORES) | SPECIAL 8-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | KOTA IBUSHI (SEKIGUN) TETSUYA NAITO (SEKIGUN) TIGER MASK (SEKIGUN) RYUSUKE TAGUCHI (SEKIGUN) |
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Post by DTP. on May 31, 2016 20:59:20 GMT -5
| WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER June 15, 2015 by Dave Meltzer |
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FINALS
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New Japan announced their next big event card this week, which is one of the biggest shows of the calendar year. Dominion on 7/5 comes from Osaka-jo Hall, which, one would expect, should sell out given the star potential of the card.
It features Hiroshi Tanahashi vs A.J. Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Roderick Strong vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, Karl Anderson vs Kazuchika Okada in the rubber match after Anderson beat Okada at New Japan Cup and Okada beat Anderson at Wrestling Dontaku, Daisuke Sekimoto vs Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto for the IWGP Tag Team Championships, Kenny Omega vs Kushida for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship after Kushida won Best of the Super Juniors last week, Nick & Matt Jackson vs Barreta & Rocky Romero for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga, and Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada vs Tetsuya Naito in Naito's return, Kota Ibushi & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi. It is expected that the undercard matches will set up programs to build the G-1 Climax tour shows around. Also not announced is the Lion's Gate pre-show that was announced by Takaaki Kidani last week. It is expected that this will feature those that are not on the main card (so, the five Young Lions, Yujiro Takahashi, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata - Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima are still touring with Pro Wrestling Noah).
The house shows building up to Dominion begins on 6/26 in Mie, Gifu on 6/27, Korakuen Hall on 6/28, Chiba on 7/1, and Korakuen Hall again on 7/3. They are really using Korakuen Hall a lot this year.
Mie on 6/26 has Nick & Matt Jackson vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs David Finlay & Jay White, Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi vs Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger vs Mike Bennett & Matt Taven & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi, Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Barreta vs Roderick Strong & Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma, and Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Kenny Omega
Gifu on 6/27 has Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Yuji Nagata & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger & David Finlay vs Manabu Nakanishi, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White, Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Captain New Japan vs Yujiro Takahashi & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall, Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano vs Daisuke Sekimoto & Tomoaki Honma, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Togi Makabe, Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo vs Karl Anderson & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga, and A.J. Styles & Kenny Omega, Nick & Matt Jackson vs Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata
Korakuen Hall on 6/28 has Sho Tanaka vs Yohei Komatsu, Jay White vs David Finlay, Kushida & Captain New Japan vs Kenny Omega & Cody Hall, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Jushin Liger & Manabu Nakanishi vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuji Nagata, Tiger Mask vs Mascara Dorada for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito vs A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Yujiro Takahashi, and Kazuchika Okada & Gedo & Toru Yano & Barreta & Rocky Romero vs Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale & Nick & Matt Jackson in a 10-man elimination tag team match
Choshi City on 7/1 has Tetsuya Naito & Ryusuke Taguchi vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Cody Hall vs David Finlay, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Yuji Nagata vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Jay White, Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga vs Manabu Nakanishi & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Captain New Japan, Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi, Karl Anderson & Nick & Matt Jackson vs Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Barreta, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
Korakuen Hall on 7/3 has Yuji Nagata & Sho Tanaka vs Manabu Nakanishi & Yohei Komatsu, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White vs Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada & David Finlay, Bad Luck Fale & Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson & Cody Hall vs Toru Yano & Rocky Romero & Barreta & Yoshi-Hashi, Daisuke Sekimoto & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo, Roderick Strong & Togi Makabe vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba, Kazuchika Okada vs Tama Tonga, and Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
We should be expecting names for the G-1 Climax to be revealed within the next week, if the announcement of tickets going on sale on 6/23 is of any indication. As announced last week the tournament will feature 20 participants, and be contested across sixteen dates, beginning in Sapporo on 7/20 and concluding with three back-to-back dates in Korakuen Hall, and wrapping up with three dates in Sumo Hall on 8/16.
Tetsuya Naito will be returning from his stay in Mexico with CMLL this coming week, with his final appearance being on 6/21 in Arena Mexico. It's Negro Casas & Shocker defending the CMLL World Tag Team Championships against Naito & La Sombra. As noted in previous weeks, Naito has been experimenting with a new persona, acting heelish after joining the Los Ingobernables faction alongside La Sombra, Rush, Marco Corleone and La Máscara. It'll be interesting to see if this relates to the Naito that we see when he returns to New Japan, given that all of his matches with CMLL have been available on New Japan World.
The relationship between New Japan Pro Wrestling and Revolution Pro Wrestling (based out of London, England) continues to progress, as Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii, Matt Sydal and A.J. Styles of New Japan were in York Hall on 6/14 for the Summer Sizzler show. It was planned originally for Shinsuke Nakamura to take on Ricochet, who had visa issues and was unable to come into the United Kingdom for the dream match. Instead Nakamura fought Mark Haskins, winning with a series of Boma Yes. Tomohiro Ishii lost to Big Damo with a running senton, whilst Matt Sydal lost to Will Ospreay in what I heard was a match of the year candidate two out of three falls match. Lastly, A.J. Styles won the RPW British Heavyweight Championship, and a shortlist of matches were set up for the next trip to the U.K.
In what is being billed as an RPW/New Japan show on 10/2, which also takes place in York Hall. The matches announced were Shinsuke Nakamura vs Big Damo (who challenged Shinsuke after his match) and A.J. Styles defending the RPW British Heavyweight Championship vs Marty Scurll & Will Ospreay in a three-way. It is expected that more New Japan talents may be brought over. There is also talk of bringing over select Revolution Pro talent for an upcoming New Japan tour.
Daichi Hashimoto, son of legendary New Japan wrestler Shinya Hashimoto who passed away at age 40 on July 11, 2005, held a press conference at the New Japan Dojo. He hinted at joining the dojo in the near future, but was there to announce a tribute show in remembrance of his father, which takes place on 7/13 in Korakuen Hall. Shinya Hashimoto was one of three of New Japan's biggest drawing stars at the height of the promotion's history, with thanks to selling out the Tokyo Dome several times.
The show will be available on New Japan World, and feature a three match card, headlined by Daichi Hashimoto vs Yuji Nagata, in addition to Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, and Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan. Keiji Muto and Masahiro Chono will also be there, who were dubbed the Three Musketeers alongside Shinya during an era in the 90s known in New Japan as "the Dome Era".
New Japan Pro Wrestling will return to the United States for two shows in August in collaboration with Ring of Honor. It won't be similar to May's tour, but instead will be for two exclusive shows, on 8/21 in Philadelphia, and 8/22 in MCU Field in Brooklyn. What's notable is that this coincides with SummerSlam weekend, which WWE puts on that very same weekend.
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Post by DTP. on May 31, 2016 21:32:14 GMT -5
| RING OF HONOR SPOTLIGHT |
BEST IN THE WORLD 2015 Friday, June 19, 2015 - Terminal 5 - Manhattan, New York
In the United States, business was as usual for Ring of Honor, which presented another pay-per-view installment just weeks after the successful four date tour with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Live on pay-per-view, the show featured several New Japan foreign talent whilst simultaneously strengthening its' core relationship with the Japanese promotion.
2. The Decade (BJ Whitmer & Adam Page) w/Colby Corino def. Matt Sydal & ACH in 9:06 after the Rites of Passage by Page on ACH. Colby Corino interfered several times leading to the end of the match. Sydal's ribs were taped up.
5. Roderick Strong def. Moose w/Veda Scott and Stokely Hathaway & Michael Elgin in a three-way non-title contender's match in 13:02 after the Sick Kick by Strong on Moose. The win gave the IWGP Intercontinental Champion a future opportunity at the ROH World Championship. Strong talked trash towards Shinsuke Nakamura when cameras were nearby. He teased adding both the ROH World Championship and ROH World Television Championship to his IWGP Intercontinental Championship, as a result of what happens later tonight. After the match Cedric Alexander came to the ring and turned on Moose and Hathaway, siding with Veda Scott.
6. BULLET CLUB (A.J. Styles & Nick & Matt Jackson) def. The Kingdom (Adam Cole, Michael Bennett & Matt Taven) w/Maria Kanellis in 16:25 after the Indytaker by the Young Bucks followed by the Styles Clash on Cole. Styles seemed poised to be the next IWGP Heavyweight Champion, whilst Michael Bennett gloated Maria Kanellis holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Bullet Club repeatedly tried to attack Maria during the match just to be saved by the Kingdom.
7. The Addiction (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) def. ReDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly) in a Texas Tornado-rules, no-disqualification match in 15:32 to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships after Celebrity Rehab by the Addiction on Fish. Chris Sabin interfered leading to the match's end. ***STILL CHAMPIONS***
8. Jay Lethal w/Truth Martini, J Diesel and Donovan Dijak def. Jay Briscoe in 27:17 after the Lethal Injection to retain the ROH World Television Championship and win the ROH World Championship. Lethal shook hands with Briscoe after the match. ***NEW CHAMPION***
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Post by DTP. on Jun 1, 2016 20:02:29 GMT -5
| NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING - PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, June 20, 2015 - G1 CLIMAX 25 Participants Revealed |
New Japan Pro Wrestling today announced officially the twenty participants that would be taking part in this year's G1 Climax tournament. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the very prestigious tournament, also notoriously known for being one of the most grueling tournaments to take part in. This year, sixteen dates have been planned, spreading across Japan and taking up almost four weeks of time. It is also known for being one of the heaviest tournaments when it comes to wrestling quality, with many historic matches having taken place in the past during this tournament. Each night will exclusively feature tournament matches from either the A block or B block. All shows throughout the tournament will be available on New Japan Pro Wrestling World, the online subscription service live. Monthly subscription is 999Yen. A BLOCK | B BLOCK | A.J. Styles | Bad Luck Fale | Daisuke Sekimoto | Doc Gallows | Hiroshi Tanahashi | Hirooki Goto | Karl Anderson | Kazuchika Okada | Katsuyori Shibata | Roderick Strong | Kota Ibushi | Rush | Michael Elgin | Shinsuke Nakamura | Tetsuya Naito | Togi Makabe | Tomohiro Ishii | Toru Yano | Tomoaki Honma | Yuji Nagata |
DAY | DATE | LOCATION | 1 | July 20, 2015 | Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - Hokkaido Sports Center | 2 | July 23, 2015 | Suruga, Shizuoka, Japan - Twin Messe Shizuoka | 3 | July 24, 2015 | Kyoto, Honshu, Japan - Kyoto City Budokan Center | 4 | July 25, 2015 | Takamatsu, Kanagawa, Japan - Takamatsu City Gymnasium | 5 | July 26, 2015 | Naka, Hiroshima, Japan - Hiroshima Green Arena | 6 | July 28, 2015 | Beppu, Oita, Japan - Beppu City B-Con Plaza | 7 | July 29, 2015 | Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan - Kokusai Center | 8 | August 1, 2015 | Namba, Osaka, Japan - Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium | 9 | August 2, 2015 | Nagoya, Aichi, Japan - Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium | 10 | August 4, 2015 | Sendai, Miyagi, Japan - Sendai Sun Plaza | 11 | August 5, 2015 | Apio, Iwate, Japan - Iwate industrial Bunka Center Apio | 12 | August 7, 2015 | Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan - Act City Hamamatsu | 13 | August 8, 2015 | Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan - Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium | 14 | August 9, 2015 | Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall | 15 | August 11, 2015 | Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall | 16 | August 12, 2015 | Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall | 17 | August 14, 2015 | Sumida, Tokyo, Japan - Ryogoku Kokugikan | 18 | August 15, 2015 | Sumida, Tokyo, Japan - Ryogoku Kokugikan | 19 | August 16, 2015 | Sumida, Tokyo, Japan - Ryogoku Kokugikan |
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Post by DTP. on Jun 1, 2016 21:52:54 GMT -5
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Post by Red Dragon on Jun 2, 2016 14:00:23 GMT -5
I gotta say, this is just awesome. I do follow this as much as I can. I just think it's all around epic. In terms of quality you couldn't ask for better and your up to 7 pages. There's some big write ups and on top of that you have the spotlights and news. Just all around awesome. My only small critism is the amount of American champs. Although I expect that to change with some title changes.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 2, 2016 14:25:45 GMT -5
| WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER June 22, 2015 by Dave Meltzer |
Participants to be involved in the G-1 Climax were revealed on 6/20, one month prior to the opening night of the three week tournament, and three days ahead of tickets going on sale for all shows.
A Block will have A.J. Styles, Daisuke Sekimoto, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Karl Anderson, Katsuyori Shibata, Kota Ibushi, Michael Elgin, Tetsuya Naito, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma.
B Block has Bad Luck Fale, Doc Gallows, Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Roderick Strong, Rush, Shinsuke Nakamura, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Yuji Nagata.
So this year's tournament will only feature involvement from Ring of Honor (Elgin and Strong), and CMLL (Rush). Rush is a hard-working heavyweight that is currently involved with the Los Ingobernables faction in CMLL, which Tetsuya Naito joined during his stay in Mexico last month. This sets up some logistical problems for both ROH and CMLL, which both have big shows whilst some of their key talents are away in Japan for the G-1. ROH, which had a PPV on 6/19 where Roderick Strong was crowned number one contender to new champion Jay Lethal's ROH World Championship, holds Death Before Dishonor XIII on 7/24, where Strong & Elgin will be in Japan. CMLL holds Sin Salida on 7/17, so who knows if Rush will be working that show as well.
It should be noted that the usual foreign imports not in the tournament will not be on the tour, excluding the three final nights, which, the final day in particular, is one of the biggest shows for New Japan in the year.
The way that the tournament is set up is that the tournament matches on certain nights will only feature A block matches, whilst B block matches take alternating nights. The undercard is expected to be filled with tag matches from the unused block and junior heavyweights, so it appears to be slightly less grueling on a talent's condition. That's quite important, given that this tour runs nineteen dates long. We should hear of the match schedule in a few weeks.
New Japan's next tour building up to one of the biggest shows of the year kicks off on 6/26, concluding with Dominion on 7/5.
Mie on 6/26 has Nick & Matt Jackson vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs David Finlay & Jay White, Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi vs Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger vs Mike Bennett & Matt Taven & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi, Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Barreta vs Roderick Strong & Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma, and Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Kenny Omega
Gifu on 6/27 has Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Yuji Nagata & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger & David Finlay vs Manabu Nakanishi, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White, Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Captain New Japan vs Yujiro Takahashi & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall, Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano vs Daisuke Sekimoto & Tomoaki Honma, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Togi Makabe, Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo vs Karl Anderson & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga, and A.J. Styles & Kenny Omega, Nick & Matt Jackson vs Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata
Korakuen Hall on 6/28 has Sho Tanaka vs Yohei Komatsu, Jay White vs David Finlay, Kushida & Captain New Japan vs Kenny Omega & Cody Hall, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Jushin Liger & Manabu Nakanishi vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuji Nagata, Tiger Mask vs Mascara Dorada for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito vs A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Yujiro Takahashi, and Kazuchika Okada & Gedo & Toru Yano & Barreta & Rocky Romero vs Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale & Nick & Matt Jackson in a 10-man elimination tag team match
Choshi City on 7/1 has Tetsuya Naito & Ryusuke Taguchi vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Cody Hall vs David Finlay, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Yuji Nagata vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Jay White, Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga vs Manabu Nakanishi & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Captain New Japan, Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi, Karl Anderson & Nick & Matt Jackson vs Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Barreta, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
Korakuen Hall on 7/3 has Yuji Nagata & Sho Tanaka vs Manabu Nakanishi & Yohei Komatsu, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White vs Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada & David Finlay, Bad Luck Fale & Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson & Cody Hall vs Toru Yano & Rocky Romero & Barreta & Yoshi-Hashi, Daisuke Sekimoto & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo, Roderick Strong & Togi Makabe vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba, Kazuchika Okada vs Tama Tonga, and Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall on 7/5 has Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada vs Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi, Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga vs Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi, Nick & Matt Jackson vs Rocky Romero & Barreta for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, Kenny Omega vs Kushida for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Mike Bennett & Matt Taven vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, Daisuke Sekimoto vs Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship, Karl Anderson vs Kazuchika Okada, Roderick Strong vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs A.J. Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Ring of Honor officially announced the Philadelphia show on 8/21, and Field of Honor card at Brooklyn, New York's MCU Field on 8/22, as having Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kushida in attendance. A select few names are expected to be added in the coming weeks. This announcement was made during their Best in the World PPV on 6/19.
WWE have announced that former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and New Japan veteran Tatsumi Fujinami will be appearing on their 7/3 and 7/4 dates in Sumo Hall. Chris Jericho vs Finn Balor is booked, both men being former members of the New Japan roster as well. As previously noted, the 7/4 show, subtitled 'Beast in the East', already has Brock Lesnar appearing, and will be broadcast live on the WWE Network, which is interesting due to the Network not even being available in the country yet, with no timetable for a launch date.
With rumors that Dolph Ziggler of WWE is looking at leaving the company when his contract expires in a few months. There is interest from Lucha Underground, TNA and New Japan, which could all be potential options for the 34 year old. Ziggler has been in the WWE technically for the last twelve years, but has voiced frustration due to being more over than his push, and being stuck in that position despite this.
Yoshi Tatsu, who was sidelined last November with two broken bones in his neck after a Styles Clash went wrong, has officially begun training again with the people of Team Vision Gym in Orlando, Florida. He previously had to wear a halo for three months, which led to complications as the holes drilled into his skull caused bloodloss. Yoshi Tatsu is aiming for a November return, hoping to get back into the promotion in time for Wrestle Kingdom 10 on 1/4 of 2016. Whether or not he's able to, will have to be seen nearer the time.
Sho Tanaka will be appearing as an entrant into Pro Wrestling NOAH's Best of the Super Juniors tournament equivalent. The Global Junior Heavyweight League kicks off on 7/18 and runs until 8/5, so he'll be absent for half of the G-1 Climax.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 2, 2016 21:23:45 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jun 3, 2016 11:20:21 GMT -5
| NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING - PRESS CONFERENCE
Saturday, June 28, 2015 - Dominion 7.5 Press Conference |
With Dominion only eight days away, New Japan Pro Wrestling officially held the Dominion 7.5 press conference today before a show at Korakuen Hall, prior to the Road to Dominion show. The big news coming out of the conference was the showdown between A.J. Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi, with Tanahashi vowing to wipe A.J. Styles out of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship scene for good by beating him again in eight nights time. On the contrary, A.J. told Hiroshi that normally he would have tricks up his sleeve, and normally he would be backed by the Bullet Club, but in the last two months away from New Japan, he has been training hard and that on July 5, he would be going it alone. He also said that he will be a new A.J. Styles that is driven on becoming the champ. A.J. said that when he beats Tanahashi, then the Bullet Club will reign supreme. A staredown occurred, with Tanahashi holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship high in Styles' face. Kazuchika Okada and Karl Anderson had a close call with coming to blows, with the "Machine Gun" reminding Okada that he is the one that beat him in the New Japan Cup semi-finals. On the contrary, Okada had to remind Anderson that he is the one that beat him at Wrestling Dontaku. Okada warned Anderson that in their third confrontation, with everything that has happened, Okada cannot wait to put Anderson away with the Rainmaker Lariat, and shut his big mouth. Okada also brought up Anderson and Tama Tonga's attack on his good friend Gedo during the finals of Best of the Super Juniors. Okada warned Tama Tonga, who was also in attendance, that he would get revenge at the Korakuen Hall show next week on July 3 - and that will go as a warning to Anderson. Anderson tried to strike Okada, but the Young Lions stepped in to pull them apart before coming to blows. Shinsuke Nakamura took to the podium to address his losing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship properly for the first time since losing the title at Global Wars in Toronto, Canada. The "King of Strong Style" expressed not taking Roderick Strong seriously during their match, but now he has learned a valuable lesson: that Roderick Strong is nothing more than overconfident himself, and that Strong would fall to Nakamura much like how it happened at the Ring of Honor show. Nakamura spoke about how emotional of a month it has been to not be IWGP Intercontinental Champion - but that he would take back what it his. He finds the challenge of Strong appealing. Roderick Strong egotistically talked about how he was "Mr ROH", and that he is the next contender to the ROH World Championship: and that his plan is to unify the title with the ROH World Championship and become "Mr NJPW". Strong said his stay in New Japan is forever now. When asked, Strong stated he is not aligned with anybody but himself, stating that New Japan and all of their "little cliques" mean nothing to him all the same. In an interesting collision, Togi Makabe introduced us to the new NEVER Openweight Champion, Daisuke Sekimoto as the "Ishii Slayer". Makabe talked about the newly improved Great Bash Heel group, making a statement that included Makabe, Tomoaki Honma and Sekimoto declaring war on all those foolish to face them. He also expressed that anybody they team with may join G.B.H. if they are truly worthy of being a Great Bash Heel member. Daisuke Sekimoto took to the stand and said that he is new to New Japan, so he may be out of practice with these press conferences. Sekimoto talked about winning the NEVER Openweight Championship after setting out to dethrone Tomohiro Ishii, and he did it. Because when he puts his mind towards something - he goes out and does it. And Dominion in the re-match, it will be no different. Sekimoto stated that Ishii's legacy in the Openweight division is on time's hand, and that he would beat him at his own game with the Ishii Driller on July 5. Tomohiro Ishii, a man of little words, took to the press in response, telling Daisuke that he does not take kindly to his threats. He told Sekimoto that he would knock him unconscious for the whole of Japan to see. IN OTHER NEWS: The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega seemed calm going into his championship defense with Best of the Super Juniors winner KUSHIDA. "The Cleaner" told them that KUSHIDA is all fresh, weeks after winning the tournament he didn't feel the need to take part in. But July 5 would just be another day on the job for him. He promised to ruin Time Splitter Garbage's hopes of becoming the Ace of the Super Juniors... Katsuyori Shibata and Hirooki Goto declared their intentions of becoming two time IWGP Tag Team Champions, with Shibata refusing to admit that he has any temptation towards Maria Kanellis, and that they don't view the Kingdom as threats despite beating them at Wrestling Dontaku. Kota Ibushi officially announced his entrance into the G1 Climax next month, Ibushi saying he had something to make up for missing last year's tournament. Ibushi told the press that he plans to win it, and do something he has tried and tried time after time - winning a heavyweight prize for the first time. Tetsuya Naito, his partner for Dominion in a tag match against G.B.H. however, wearing a Los Ingobernables shirt and cap, asked Ibushi if he ever gets tired of fighting for the good guys, and fighting for something he can't win. Naito appeared cynical to Ibushi's claims, and told him that he would wind up just like him. Naito also refused any questions from the press, acting disinterested about the whole ordeal. Takaaki Kidani officially announced the LIONSGATE matches set to take place prior to Dominion 7.5 goes on the air. He noted that the LIONSGATE matches would be available on New Japan World immediately after Dominion goes off the air. The matches will be Sho Tanaka vs Jay White, David Finlay vs Yohei Komatsu, and Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs Cody Hall & Yujiro Takahashi.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 3, 2016 23:36:42 GMT -5
| WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER June 29, 2015 by Dave Meltzer |
New Japan's current tour is ongoing, with a sellout crowd for the opening night in Mie on 6/26, drawing 1,300 people. Gifu on 6/27 also sold out, drawing 1,800. However, their latest night in Korakuen Hall on 6/28 failed to sell out, only drawing 1,725. This is becoming problematic for New Japan, with Korakuen Hall - a venue that is basically the Japanese equal of Madison Square Garden - failing to sell out. It could be down to the amount of times in which New Japan visit the venue, or simply due to how many Japanese promotions run there, not to mention on a frequent basis. For example, they return to Korakuen Hall for a second time in two weeks on 7/3.
Fortunately for New Japan, Osaka-jo Hall on 7/5 for Dominion is now sold out officially. This show has potential to be a show of the year candidate, by far New Japan's strongest card dating back to Wrestle Kingdom 9 on 1/4 in the Tokyo Dome. Not to mention with the G-1 Climax coming up starting on 7/20.
Choshi City on 7/1 has Tetsuya Naito & Ryusuke Taguchi vs Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu, Cody Hall vs David Finlay, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Yuji Nagata vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Jay White, Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga vs Manabu Nakanishi & Mascara Dorada & Jushin Liger, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Roderick Strong & Captain New Japan, Daisuke Sekimoto & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi, Karl Anderson & Nick & Matt Jackson vs Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Barreta, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
Korakuen Hall on 7/3 has Yuji Nagata & Sho Tanaka vs Manabu Nakanishi & Yohei Komatsu, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White vs Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada & David Finlay, Bad Luck Fale & Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson & Cody Hall vs Toru Yano & Rocky Romero & Barreta & Yoshi-Hashi, Daisuke Sekimoto & Tomoaki Honma vs Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo, Roderick Strong & Togi Makabe vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba, Kazuchika Okada vs Tama Tonga, and Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito & Kushida vs A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Yujiro Takahashi & Kenny Omega
Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall on 7/5 has Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada vs Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi, Bad Luck Fale & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga vs Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi, Nick & Matt Jackson vs Rocky Romero & Barreta for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, Kenny Omega vs Kushida for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Mike Bennett & Matt Taven vs Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, Daisuke Sekimoto vs Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship, Karl Anderson vs Kazuchika Okada, Roderick Strong vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs A.J. Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
With the G-1 Climax participants announced on 7/20, tickets for all of the shows of the 19 show tour went on sale on 7/23, with three shows sold out thus far. Korakuen Hall on 8/11 and 8/12 have both sold out, which will be two of the last shows of the round-robin format before the final trio of shows at Sumo Hall in Tokyo. The Sumo Hall G-1 Finals show on 8/16 has sold out too, but advance has been disappointing thus far. One would expect a definite boost when the match schedules come out, which will probably be right after Dominion ends on 7/5.
There may be more New Japan presence on 8/22 in Brooklyn for ROH's Field of Honor show in MCU Field, as there is speculation that NXT will be running head to head with the show. Thus far the only names announced to appear from New Japan's side includes Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada and Kushida. Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr will also be there.
Tetsuya Naito returned to New Japan this week and looks to be adopting the heel persona that he started during his stay with CMLL during the Best of Super Juniors tour. Naito joined Los Ingobernables, which is basically CMLL's top heel faction, comprised of Marco Corleone, Rush, La Sombra & La Mascara. Rush, as noted last week, is in this year's G-1 Climax, so one would speculate that Naito may be starting an invasion angle of New Japan with the faction in the near future.
Takaaki Kidani reported that the New Japan shows in Singapore last week were a success, and that there are now plans for the company to expand into Singapore for more shows next year, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia in the next two years. Bushiroad does really strong business in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and Kidani claims that New Japan should have expanded a long time ago.
Abe Makoto, a ring announcer from WRESTLE-1, started up with New Japan on the 6/28 show in Korakuen Hall. Makoto is only one of a series of setbacks in which WRESTLE-1 have made, including parting ways with Masakatsu Funaki. Funaki, 46, started with New Japan in 1986 and went on to compete in MMA, where he has a record of 39-13-3, as well as All Japan Pro Wrestling until joining WRESTLE-1 in 2013. Funaki was photographed recently having dinner with Katsuyori Shibata, leading to a bunch of publicity from the press regarding Funaki possibly coming to New Japan.
With Roderick Strong being the number one contender to the ROH World Championship, and being in Japan for the G-1 Climax on 7/24 - the date of ROH's next iPPV, Death Before Dishonor XIII - Strong cut a pre-taped promo on Ring of Honor's weekly TV show this week saying he'll be back to get his title shot after he "wins" the G-1. There is a lot of teasing of a match with Jay Lethal as ROH World Champion and ROH World Television Champion facing Roderick Strong as IWGP Intercontinental Champion. It could end up happening at Field of Honor, but who knows.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 4, 2016 21:31:03 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jun 5, 2016 12:26:42 GMT -5
| WWE SPOTLIGHT |
THE BEAST IN THE EAST 2015 Saturday, July 4, 2015 - Ryogoku Kokugikan - Sumida, Tokyo
Despite not being affiliated with New Japan Pro Wrestling, and even considered a competitor in recent years, the WWE came to the country of Japan, enemy territories, for a two date tour of Ryogoku Kokugikan, coincidentally on the same weekend that New Japan were gearing up for Dominion 7.5 - one of their biggest shows - on July 5 in Osaka. Boasting several alumnus names from New Japan on their tour line-ups, the special was available live on the WWE Network as a Network Special, and also aired on J Sports.
1. Cesaro def. Diego in 8:13 after the Sharpshooter. This match aired exclusively on J Sports.
2. The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto & Sin Cara) def. The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) in 6:31 after the Salida del Sol by Kalisto on Woods. This match aired exclusively on J Sports.
3. Chris Jericho def. Neville in 16:20 after the Walls of Jericho.
4. Nikki Bella def. Paige & Tamina in 7:03 to retain the WWE Divas Championship after the roll-up by Bella on Tamina.
5. Brock Lesnar def. Kofi Kingston w/Big E & Xavier Woods in 2:36 after the F-5. Big E and Xavier Woods tried to attack after the match, but got attacked by Lesnar.
6. Finn Bálor def. Kevin Owens in 19:25 to win the NXT Championship after the Coupe de Grâce. ***NEW CHAMPION***
7. John Cena & Dolph Ziggler def. Kane & King Barrett in 23:50 after the superkick from Ziggler and AA from Cena on Barrett.
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underjohngrohs
Main Eventer
"Do I Have Everybody's Attention Now?"
Joined on: May 19, 2012 17:48:25 GMT -5
Posts: 2,959
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Post by underjohngrohs on Jun 8, 2016 22:38:15 GMT -5
really like the diary man. Keep it up.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 14, 2016 16:54:46 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jun 15, 2016 16:57:50 GMT -5
| NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING - PRESS CONFERENCE NOTES
Sunday, July 5, 2015 - Dominion 7.5 Post-Show |
Osaka-jo Hall had witnessed a lot tonight, with one of the biggest New Japan shows of the calendar year. A.J. STYLES was feeling very good after winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Hiroshi Tanahashi in a hard-hitting main event. Styles was accompanied by KARL ANDERSON, DOC GALLOWS, YUJIRO TAKAHASHI, BAD LUCK FALE, TAMA TONGA, KENNY OMEGA, THE YOUNG BUCKS & CODY HALL. Styles talked about being the IWGP Heavyweight Champion a second time, and how great that feels, especially to now be the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Styles stated he was going to be the first gaijin to win it. But Karl Anderson then interjected, reminding A.J. of how he was the first gaijin to reach the semi-finals of the G1 Climax finals. The two squabbled before Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale and Tama Tonga chimed in - but A.J. shunned them all. Styles said that what's important now is celebrating, and their next steps will include becoming the rulers off the promotion. Their next aim: to win all IWGP Championships in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
HIROSHI TANAHASHI was disappointed with his loss, feeling that he had let everyone down tonight. He says that A.J. can call himself the New Ace, but that this rivalry is not over. Tanahashi noted that he and A.J. are in the same block in the G1 Climax, and that in that match - Tanahashi will get the revenge he deserves. Furthermore, any Bullet Club member in his way is going to pay for what they did tonight. RODERICK STRONG proudly declared himself as the IWGP Intercontinental Champion. He says that he's impressed many and hopes to impress more in the G1. Because he feels like he has a good chance of winning. Strong commented on being the number one contender to the ROH World Championship - and he feels a champion vs champion match in the United States with Jay Lethal should happen, and it should happen soon. Meanwhile SHINSUKE NAKAMURA declared that he may have lost tonight, but that is not the end of the road for him. He says there will be more chances for championship opportunities - but now he is focusing all of his attention on the G1 Climax he has only won once before. In words for Roddy, he said he hopes he's a good, worthy champion - otherwise Shinsuke will be back for what is truly his.
KUSHIDA was emotional after his victory tonight. He eagerly hugged his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, saying that this title means a lot to him - but now, it is his. He beat "the Cleaner" Kenny Omega, and it is now his time to shine. As the centre star of the super juniors, he wants to bring the junior heavyweight division to unforeseen heights in a long time. He wants to raise the bar, and he's going to do it, no matter if it's with Kenny Omega, if it's with Ryusuke Taguchi again, or if it's with introducing New Japan fans to some of the best wrestlers in the world - if they can take him down. TETSUYA NAITO was asked about why he did what he did to Kota Ibushi earlier tonight, and what has been up for him lately. He responded by saying "next question". Naito explained that he doesn't feel the need to justify his actions. He did what he wanted. Why do reporters wear suits after all? Naito still wore his shirt and cap, his feet up on the press conference table, in a relaxed state. KOTA IBUSHI meanwhile was outraged by Naito's actions. Ibushi says that he has known Naito for years - but this is no longer Naito. Ibushi seeked retribution on Naito, and retribution soon enough.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 16, 2016 16:43:38 GMT -5
| WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER July 6, 2015 by Dave Meltzer |
After a 20 year absence, New Japan returned to Osaka-jo Hall last night, where refreshingly it was close to a sellout, at 11,140. This is their biggest paying crowd for a show dating back to Wrestle Kingdom 9 on the January 4 Tokyo Dome show, which drew 36,000. Last year New Japan attempted growth in running a show at the Yokohama Arena and the Seibu Dome for the G-1 Climax finals last year, but both were short of sellouts as close as Dominion was. The boom period for New Japan that has been present in recent years has cooled off, but things appear to still be working.
In news from Dominion, the only thing we know right now is that Shinsuke Nakamura banged up his back in the match with Roderick Strong. Nakamura will be resting between now and the G-1 later this month, but it is probably likely that on shows in between, his in-ring actions will be limited. We hope to have more news on this next week. Apparently response was mixed live, with some feeling the Bullet Club winning at the show's end killed the buzz, but are open to Styles, who many believe to be great, even with the westernized faction gimmicks.
New Japan's next shows come with spot shows on 7/7 in Niigata, 7/11 in Takasaki, and 7/12 in Koriyama, before then taking a rest until 7/20 for the beginning of the G-1 Climax.
The way that the tournament is set up is different from in previous years, with each show revolving between the A and B block matches. There will be five on each show, with the undercard expected to be filled out by the unused block's members of the roster in tag matches - presumably to hype up their upcoming matches. We should expect to see a match schedule within the next few days. A lot of foreign imports that are not to be part of the tournament, such as Kenny Omega, Mascara Dorada (who returns to CMLL this week), RPG Vice, the Young Bucks and ReDRagon, will only be flown in for the final three dates of the show from 8/13 to 8/16 in Ryogoku Kokugikan.
ROH and New Japan will team up again to co-produce the Field of Honor show at MCU Field on 8/22. The show is expected to feature a set list of New Japan stars, most likely less than the Global Wars tour this past May. Matches tentatively hooked include Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong in an ROH World Champion vs IWGP Intercontinental Champion match, Mark & Jay Briscoe vs Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr & Kushida & Alex Shelley vs Ray Rowe & Hanson.
Ring of Honor has an iPPV on 7/24. Death Before Dishonor XIII, which could be up against some competition with the G-1 Climax going on at that time. The number one contender to the ROH World Championship Roderick Strong will be in Japan, as will Michael Elgin, which could effect the show's star power. Jay Lethal is currently set to defend the title against Bobby Fish on this show.
The Road to Dominion tour has received mixed attendance levels, despite how much interest there actually was in Osaka-jo Hall for the big show on 7/5. New Japan in Choshi on 7/1 drew 603 and Korakuen Hall on 7/3 drew 1,780.
Tetsuya Naito began his character changes on New Japan programming on the shows building up to Dominion, and looks to be entering a feud with Kota Ibushi. Naito began acting this way on his excursion to CMLL from May through to June, and it appears that New Japan will be running with it. Naito teamed a lot with the Los Ingobernables faction, and wore their brand on New Japan programming, notably at Dominion. It wouldn't be a surprise if La Sombra returned to Japan for another run, given how Naito and La Sombra have been frequent partners whenever La Sombra has been here. Another notable thing is that Los Ingobernables member Rush is in the G-1 Climax tournament as well. La Sombra was the original plan to be entered, but he looks to be pulled as CMLL needs him for a big show on 7/18 and potentially after that.
Kushida of New Japan will be working Global Force Wrestling's first TV taping on 7/24 in the Orleans Arena, Vegas. It is somewhat of a surprise, as New Japan has a relationship with GFW, and GFW even co-promoted Wrestle Kingdom 9 this past January, but Jeff Jarrett, the owner of GFW, also appeared in a World Cup tournament for AAA, considered a rival of New Japan ally CMLL. NJPW ally Ring of Honor recently struck a nerve when they sent some of their talent over to the AAA World Cup tournament, so it's surprising. Additionally this taping takes place during the G-1 Climax that Kushida won't be participating in, so he will be working this show, and it wouldn't be surprising if he worked the ROH iPPV on 7/24 either.
With Roderick Strong being the number one contender to the ROH World Championship, and being in Japan for the G-1 Climax on 7/24 - the date of ROH's next iPPV, Death Before Dishonor XIII - Strong cut a pre-taped promo on Ring of Honor's weekly TV show this week saying he'll be back to get his title shot after he "wins" the G-1. There is a lot of teasing of a match with Jay Lethal as ROH World Champion and ROH World Television Champion facing Roderick Strong as IWGP Intercontinental Champion. It could end up happening at Field of Honor, but who knows.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 16, 2016 20:42:02 GMT -5
| NJPW NEW JAPAN ALIVE 2015
Friday, July 10, 2015 - Niigata City Gymnasium - Niigata, Niigata Saturday, July 11, 2015 - New Sunpia Takasaki - Takasaki, Gunma Sunday, July 12, 2015 - Fukushima Big Palette - Koriyama, Fukushima |
Day 3 - Niigata City Gymnasium - Niigata, Japan (July 10)
1. Sho Tanaka def. Yohei Komatsu in 9:03 after the inside cradle.
2. Héroes Voladores (Jushin Liger & Máscara Dorada) & KUSHIDA def. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay in 10:12 after the Liger Bomb and the corkscrew senton by Héroes Voladores on Finlay. Dorada and Tiger Mask tried to fight after the match, pulled apart by their teammates.
3. Yuji Nagata & Jay White def. BULLET CLUB (Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall) in 8:33 after the Nagata Lock by Nagata on Hall.
4. CHAOS (Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba) def. Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan in 9:53 after the Loose Explosion by YOSHI-HASHI on Captain New Japan. Naito attacked Toru Yano with a steel chair during the match, then shoved down a referee. Naito refused to tag in and would only do so with a blind tag when he chose. After the match, Naito stomped away at Captain New Japan.
5. G.B.H. (Togi Makabe & Daisuke Sekimoto) def. CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo) in 9:23 after the King Kong Knee Drop by Makabe on Gedo.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Meiyu Tag (Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto) def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI) in 13:35 after the High Fly Flow by Tanahashi on YOSHI-HASHI. Tanahashi, Okada and Nakamura had a face-off days before the G1 Climax 25 opening ceremony after the match.
Day 4 - New Sunpia Takasaki - Gunma, Japan (July 11)
1. Manabu Nakanishi def. David Finlay in 7:29 after the Argentine Backbreaker Rack.
2. YOSHI-HASHI def. Jay White in 10:01 after the Head Hunter.
3. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Yohei Komatsu def. Héroes Voladores (Máscara Dorada & Jushin Liger) & Sho Tanaka in 10:14 after the single legged Boston crab by Komatsu on Tanaka. Tiger Mask and Máscara Dorada continued to brawl at ringside after the match.
4. CHAOS (Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba) def. BULLET CLUB (Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall) in 7:28 after the Urakasumi by Yano on Takahashi.
5. Meiyu Tag (Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto) & Yuji Nagata def. Tetsuya Naito, KUSHIDA & Captain New Japan in 11:52 after the Penalty Kick by Shibata on KUSHIDA. Naito refused to tag in, only on his terms. He attacked Shibata with a steel chair, and choked Nagata with his shirt during the match. Naito tried to attack KUSHIDA after the match, but Captain New Japan intercepted. Naito decided to leave.
6. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi & G.B.H. (Daisuke Sekimoto, Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe) in 15:40 after the Ishii Screwdriver by Ishii on Honma. Okada, Nakamura, Ishii, Tanahashi, Sekimoto, Honma and Makabe had a face off after the match, days before the G1 Climax 25 begins.
Day 5 - Fukushima Big Palette - Fukushima, Japan (July 12)
1. Jay White def. David Finlay in 10:35 after the Boston crab.
2. Yohei Komatsu def. Sho Tanaka in 8:04 after the single legged Boston crab.
3. Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi def. Héroes Voladores (Jushin Liger & Máscara Dorada) in 8:05 after the scissored armbar by Tiger Mask on Dorada. After the match, Tiger Mask and Máscara Dorada had a staredown with the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship and CMLL World Welterweight Championships held high.
4. CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazushi Sakuraba) def. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan in 6:30 after the BomaYe by Nakamura on Captain New Japan.
5. Tetsuya Naito, Yuji Nagata & KUSHIDA def. CHAOS (Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo) in 13:43 after the Hoverboard Lock by KUSHIDA on Gedo. Naito actually complied during this match, teaming with Nagata and KUSHIDA. After the match, Naito grabbed a steel chair and attacked KUSHIDA before Nagata got involved. Naito chose not to fight, leaving.
6. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii) def. BULLET CLUB (Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall) in 9:26 after the Rainmaker Lariat by Okada on Hall.
7. G.B.H. (Daisuke Sekimoto, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Meiyu Tag (Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata) in 14:51 after the German suplex by Sekimoto on Goto. Meiyu Tag tried to battle with Great Bash Heel after the match, but were laid out by Makabe and Sekimoto.
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