DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 THE FINAL!!”, 28/12/2019 Tokyo Korakuen Hall 2,019 Fans – Super No Vacancy
1. Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuki Iino defeated Keisuke Ishii & Keigo Nakamura when Hashimoto pinned Nakamura with the Albright (7:01).
2. “Novice Papa” 9-Man Trial Of Makoto Oishi – 1 Count Fall: Makoto Oishi finishes the series 4-5.
2a. Makoto Oishi defeated Danshoku Dieno with a Jackknife Pin (1:02).
2b. Hirosho Yamato defeated Makoto Oishi with the Sliding X (0:58).
2c. Makoto Oishi defeated Mizuki Watase with a Running Forearm (0:44).
2d. Mad Paulie defeated Makoto Oishi with a Flying Body Scissors Drop (1:03).
2e. Makoto Oishi defeated Antonio Honda with a Rolling Cradle (2:04).
2f. Masahiro Takanashi defeated Makoto Oishi with a Crucifix Pin (0:32).
2g. Kazuki Hirata defeated Makoto Oishi with the Extreme Tegatana (1:00).
2h. Toru Owashi defeated Makoto Oishi with a Hand Press Pin (0:30).
2i. Makoto Oishi defeated Yoshihiko with the Sweet Bomb (3:29).
3. Saki Akai “Okibariyasu” 7 Match Series – 2nd Match: Saki Akai defeated Sakura Hirota with the Rookie Award (7:58).
4. 3 Way Tag Match: Yuki Ueno & Naomi Yoshimura defeated Soma Takao & Nobuhiro Shimatani and Akito & Shunma Katsumata when Ueno pinned Shimatani after the Osaka Strad (7:50).
5. Toshiwasure! Special Single Match – Pro Wrestling x Oogiri Mix Rules: Shinya Aoki defeated Super Sasadango Machine with a Director Ishii joke (6:48).
6. Kazusada Higuchi Returns To War: Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Sakaguchi defeated Bull James & Yukio Naya when Higuchi pinned Naya with the Doctor Bomb (7:36).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 Special 4 Way Match: Konosuke Takeshita defeated HARASHIMA, Daisuke Sasaki and Chris Brookes when Takeshita pinned Brookes with the German Suplex (11:53).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – Final: Masato Tanaka defeated Tetsuya Endo with the Sliding D (23:57).
The tournament master Masato Tanaka becomes the first person to win the D-Ou Grand Prix while undefeated! He didn’t take Tetsuya Endo lightly in the final. He went for the Sliding D at the very first opportunity. Endo dodged it and in return tried to trap Tanaka in the Modified Yurikamome Hold. Tanaka put Endo through a table outside the ring with a Diving Body Press, which ended up leaving a big gash in Endo’s leg. To add insult to the injury, Tanaka then attacked Endo with pieces of the table and also the DAMNATION signboard. Endo’s comebacks would get cut off by Elbow Smashes until he countered the Tornado DDT into a Brainbuster. Tanaka cut him off again with a Vertical Drop Brainbuster. Endo countered the Diamond Dust into a German Suplex but Tanaka once more stopped his momentum with a Lariat. The match went even when Tanaka blocked the Shooting Star Press then Endo blocked the Superfly afterwards. When they got up Endo hit a Canadian Destroyer only for Tanaka to immediately fire back with a short range Sliding D. Endo finally got his momentum going with the Tetsuya In The Sky, the Swinging Torture Rack Bomb and the Shooting Star Press. Tanaka was able to kick out at two. Endo quickly applied the Yurikamome Hold but Tanaka cradled him for a nearfall. Endo changed it into the Crossface Lock but Tanaka got out of it by biting Endo’s hand. Tanaka stunned Endo with a Backfist then hit several Sliding D’s, finally keeping Endo down for the three count.
After the match Tanaka said fighting against Endo and DAMNATION was interesting. Tanaka has been wrestling for 26 years and is still in his prime. He has to show that in the ring when he faces off against younger wrestlers. Still, he thanked Endo for the match. HARASHIMA entered the ring during the trophy ceremony. He congratulated Tanaka for winning the Grand Prix then told him they will have a KO-D Openweight Title match on 26th January. He promised him a rematch after their 30 minute draw in the group stage so now they get to have one with higher stakes. Tanaka called HARASHIMA the No. 1 wrestler in DDT. Even though Tanaka won today’s main event, he gave the show closing speech to HARASHIMA.
When HARASHIMA finished his speech, Pokotan came out and confronted him to promote their DDT Extreme Title match on 12th January.
Some of the wrestlers who missed out on reaching the final were pitted together in a 4 Way Match. HARASHIMA wanted it to start off peacefully but it went mayhem when Konosuke Takeshita and Chris Brookes both attacked him. Daisuke Sasaki tried to sneak a pin on HARASHIMA afterwards but Takeshita and Brookes then attacked him. Brookes broke off his short alliance with Takeshita and the match was all against each other from that point on. Sasaki put Takeshita in La Mistica Cross Facelock, HARASHIMA broke it up with the Somato then Brookes caught HARASHIMA in mid-air with a Cutter. Takeshita gave HARASHIMA and Sasaki a German Suplex at the same time, emptying the ring down to just him and Brookes. Brookes put Takeshita in an Octopus Hold then tried to pin him with a European Clutch but Takeshita rolled him into the German Suplex to take the win. This result is considered as payback for Brookes beating Takeshita in the group stage.
A reinvigorated and fully recovered Kazusada Higuchi was victorious in his return match. He wasn’t lying when he said he lost wait during his time off, the audience was impressed by his improved physique. Both he and Yukio Sakaguchi came out to brand new theme songs. Sakaguchi struck Bull James with the God’s Right Knee, allowing Higuchi to pin Yukio Naya with the Doctor Bomb. Backstage Higuchi said he’s been watching DDT while he was recovering from his injury and it just wasn’t the same. Sakaguchi agreed. They want to make DDT fun and rampant so Higuchi and Sakaguchi are going to stir up DDT together!
Super Sasadango Machine wanted to make sure his win over Shinya Aoki last month wasn’t a fluke. To ensure the result would be undisputed their match today would consist of two stages. Stage 1 is the Pro Wrestling Stage, a regular pro wrestling match. When that is over they would then move on to the Oogiri Stage, a comedy quiz where judges Yuki Iino, Mizuki Watase and Yumehito Imanari choose who gave the best answer. The winner of the match is the first person to either win both stages back-to-back or win the Oogriri Stage 3 times. The match began and Aoki immediately made Sasadango submit to the Sleeper Hold. The Oogiri question asked for their dream match for a New Year’s Eve MMA show. Sasadango said Tatsuya Kawajiri Vs Erika Sawajiri in an MMA Vs MDMA fight (Sawajiri is an actress who was recently arrested over drug possession). Aoki chose Takeru Vs Tenshin Nasukawa. Sasadango won the judge’s vote. The match began again and Sasadango immediately gave up to a handshake. The Oogiri question asked to name the sequel for Aoki’s book “Strong Instinct”. Sasadango said “Grand Maison Instinct” while Aoki picked “Daddy”. Aoki got some laughs but Sasadango still won the judge’s decision. Aoki tapped out Sasadango once more with a Cross Armbreaker. The Oogiri question asked for a phrase that will be used as a warning in 2020. Sasadango’s arm was so damaged from the Cross Armbreaker that he couldn’t write a decent answer, so he went with “Safety First”. Aoki answered with “Director Ishii” referring to the disgraced K-1 director Kazuyoshi Ishii. Aoki unanimously won the judge’s decision and was declared the winner of the match.
The freelance Nobuhiro Shimatani was back in DDT to do what he does best. Run around with the DAMNATION signboard! What he isn’t good at is being used as a projectile. Soma Takao tried to Body Slam him onto their opponents in the 3 Way Match but they kept rolling out of the way. Shimatani did get a few whacks in on Akito & Shunma Katsumata with his signboard until he accidentally hit Takao with it. From there Yuki Ueno & Naomi Yoshimura double teamed on Shimatani and finished him off with the Osaka Strad. Nautilus are now ready to challenge for the KO-D Tag Team Titles on 3rd January. They are also taking over the Drop Kick Bar from Akito in the new year.
One of the goals for Saki Akai’s “Okibariyasu” series is to bring in joshi and let them experience what DDT is like. In the case of Sakura Hirota this turned out to be the most DDT match in a long time. First Hirota came out dressed as Akai and mimicking her entrance. Then we found out her children were at ringside where there was a special play area built for them to stay in. Also Antonio Honda was babysitting them. The situation was so distracting that Yukinori Matsui missed some pinfalls. Hirota used Kancho attacks to get the advantage until Honda called for an emergency because one of the kids soiled their diaper. Akai, Hirota and Matsui all agreed to speed up the match with cradles and quick pin counts. Hirota attempted to do the Quetzalcoatl but couldn’t apply it properly. The result was only her flipping onto her back empty handed. Akai gave Hirota a Kancho poke then pinned her with the Rookie Award. It was announced afterwards that Akai’s third opponent in her series will be against Rina Yamashita on 12th January.
Fatherhood is taking it’s toll on Makoto Oishi. So much so that he decided today’s One Count Gauntlet Match would be his last match. He informed all of his opponents backstage before their match and everyone agreed to give him their best. The results went back and forth. Oishi pinned Danshoku Dieno with a Cradled counter to the Danshoku Driver. Hiroshi Yamato pinned Oishi with the Sliding X. Oishi went 2-1 when he caught Mizuki Watase with a Running Forearm. Mad Paulie flattened Oishi with the Lou Thesz Press. Antonio Honda went for his old Gongitsune trick but Oishi saw it coming and cradled him to make it 3-2. Masahiro Takanashi countered the Jikiden Tornado Clutch into a Crucifix Pin to even the score. Kazuki Hirata turned the match into a dance until he overdone the Tegatana strikes to Oishi’s neck. When Toru Owashi entered the match Oishi was still knocked out from the attack. Owashi pleaded with him to get back up but Oishi wouldn’t move. Oishi placed his hand on Oishi’s chest and didn’t realise it counted as a pin. Oishi’s final opponent was Yoshihiko. Oishi fought with all he had left, using all his strength to get a rope break from a Scorpion Deathlock. Yoshihiko was thrown into the air for the Reincarnation but Oishi rolled it into a pin to end the match with a win. All the wrestlers begged with him to reconsider his decision. Oishi then revealed it was all a misunderstanding. Today was his final match… in 2019. He wanted everyone to do their best today because it was the final DDT show of 2019. He’s not retiring. Who said that? Oishi loves pro wrestling and he wants his newborn daughter to grow up and watch him wrestle.
Rivals turning into teammates seems to happen a lot in wrestling nowadays. It happened here with Yuki Iino and Chihiro Hashimoto joining forces to take on Keisuke Ishii & Keigo Nakamura. They weren’t 100% compatible but still came out on top. Iino hit Nakamura with the Haka Elbow and Hashimoto followed up with the Albright to win. When asked if they were interested in going after the KO-D Tag Titles, both liked the idea but think they can do it on their own.
A brand new championship called the DDT Universal Title will crown its first champion on 23rd February. The belt was created as part of DDT’s international plans for 2020. Both Takeshita and Brookes have expressed their interest in becoming the first champion. Takeshita believes being the first champion on any belt is a special thing and he also wants to spread DDT across the world. Brookes thinks him versus Takeshita is the match to make to determine the first champion. Also the Praying Mantis Bomb will always beat Takeshita and Brookes wants another singles match to prove it.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN HARAJUKU 2 DAYS”, 15/12/2019 Tokyo Belle Epoque Beauty School 2nd School Hall 201 Fans – Super No Vacancy
1. Konosuke Takeshita & Yuki Iino defeated Yuki Ueno & Keigo Nakamura when Takeshita pinned Nakamura with a Blue Thunder Bomb (11:30).
2. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Time Limit Battle Royal: Saki Akai defeated Makoto Oishi (c), Toru Owashi, Masahiro Takanashi, Tomomitsu Matsunaga, Mizuki Watase, Yukio Naya, Hisaya Imabayashi and D-Ou Grand Prix Trophy (10:00).
2a. Toru Owashi defeated Makoto Oishi (c) with a Figure 4 Neck Lock (4:30). *Toru Owashi becomes the 1,449th champion.
2b. Saki Akai defeated Toru Owashi (c) with a Figure 4 Neck Lock (4:35). *Saki Akai becomes the 1,450th champion.
2c. Tomomitsu Matsunaga defeated Saki Akai (c) with a Figure 4 Neck Lock (4:39). *Tomomitsu Matsunaga becomes the 1,451st champion.
2d. Masahiro Takanashi defeated Tomomitsu Matsunaga (c) with a Figure 4 Neck Lock (4:42). *Masahiro Takanashi becomes the 1,452nd champion.
2e. D-Ou Grand Prix Trophy defeated Masahiro Takanashi (c) by Pinfall (6:18). *D-Ou Grand Prix Trophy becomes the 1,453rd champion.
2f. Hisaya Imabayashi defeated D-Ou Grand Prix Trophy (c) by Pinfall (7:21). *Hisaya Imabayashi becomes the 1,454th champion.
2g. Saki Akai defeated Hisaya Imabayashi (c) by submission (9:22). *Saki Akai becomes the 1,455th champion.
3. O-40 Title: Gorgeous Matsuno (c) defeated Cherry with the Spring Night Love (6:15). *V1 for Gorgeous Matsuno.
4. DAMNATION Vs ALL OUT!: Tetsuya Endo & Mad Paulie defeated Akito & Shunma Katsumata when Endo submitted Modified Yurikamome Hold (8:08).
5. Chris Brookes & Kazuki Hirata defeated Bull James & Antonio Honda when Hirata pinned Honda with the GO! GO! Splash (11:07).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Yukio Sakaguchi (4) defeated Soma Takao (4) with the God’s Right Knee (8:16).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Naomi Yoshimura (2) defeated Daisuke Sasaki (8) with a Cradle (16:12).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: HARASHIMA (9) Vs Masato Tanaka (11) ended in a Time Limit Draw (30:00).
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Kazuki Hirata defeated Saki Akai (c) with a Cradle (4:42 pm). *Kazuki Hirata becomes the 1,456th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Toru Owashi defeated Kazuki Hirata (c) with a Cradle (4:43 pm). *Toru Owashi becomes the 1,457th champion.
The final of the D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 is now set. Masato Tanaka completes an undefeated run in the B Block but has not quite pulled off a clean sweep. With an earlier result on the show giving HARASHIMA one last lifeline to reach the final, he couldn’t afford to lose against Tanaka. With both becoming their most stubborn version of themselves as the match progressed, a win was not coming for either of them. Tanaka kicked out of the Firebird Splash while HARASHIMA got a rope break after the Sliding D to the back of the head. Tanaka avoided the Somato and gave HARASHIMA a Back Drop Hold when the bell rang for the time limit draw. With this result, Tanaka finishes on top of the block uncontested. He and HARASHIMA shook hands after the match and praised each other.
The final at Korakuen Hall on 28th December is now confirmed to be Tetsuya Endo Vs Masato Tanaka! Endo came out and said he worked out long ago that Tanaka was going to make it this far. He then asked Tanaka if he wanted to come work for DAMNATION. Tanaka slapped away Endo’s hand, rejecting his offer. Endo warned at Korakuen he will show what it means to decline his offer. Tanaka said there are a lot of companies with new young wrestlers now on top. But there are still the older wrestlers around and he is different from everyone else. The two pressed their heads together for a face off before Endo left.
Whatever slim chances Daisuke Sasaki had left to top the group vanished when he lost to Naomi Yoshimura. For Yoshimura the result ended his Grand Prix losing streak. In an even stronger message, Yoshimura kicked out of the Pedigree with a one count. Almost a year ago Yoshimura suffered a cervical sprain when Sasaki spiked him with that move. Sasaki hit another Pedigree but Yoshimura kicked out again this time at 2. Sasaki went for La Mistica Crossface Lock but Yoshimura used his power to block the transition and then drop down on top of Sasaki to pin him for the three count. With this win Yoshimura wants a KO-D Tag Team Titles match. He also wants that match to avenge his earlier defeat to Soma Takao.
The other remaining D-Ou match had nothing but pride on the line. Yukio Sakaguchi countered the Reverse Gory Special Bomb into a Sleeper Hold. Takao rolled him into a pin to break it up then attempted the Gin And Tonic. When that didn’t work, Takao ran to the ropes. On the rebound Sakaguchi struck him with the God’s Right Knee for the win. Backstage Sakaguchi reflected on the current state of the D-Ou Grand Prix after three tournaments. He mentioned some of the absences. Kazusada Higuchi was injured and MAO is wrestling overseas so they have excuses. But Sakaguchi doesn’t understand why half of ALL OUT stayed away from the Grand Prix this time around.
In non-tournament matches, Chris Brookes used a chop to the neck to knockout Bull James. James fell on top of Antonio Honda and Kazuki Hirata did the GO! GO! Splash onto both of them for the pin. Hirata said he is going to change gears when he challenges Keisuke Ishii for the Independent World Jr. Heavyweight Title in Ganbare☆Wrestling on 22nd December. Hirata will also hold a special 10th Anniversary show on 14th March next year.
Gorgeous Matsuno used one of Cherry’s trademark moves against her to defend the O-40 Title. Cherry went for the Spring Night Love but Matsuno ended up pinning her with a reversal. Matsuno called Cherry an unexpected dark horse to challenge him. Even though the title is for over-forties there is still an 18 year difference between the two of them. Matsuno will continue to defend the title so he can share his middle-aged dreams, hopes and spirits with the fans.
The Time Limit Battle Royal was dusted off for today’s Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title defence. Makoto Oishi entered as the champion and had to survive 10 minutes against the rest of the field. He told his opponents he wanted to protect the championship until his new born daughter grows up. However Yukio Naya wanted to win the title because he hasn’t won a belt in DDT yet, so Oishi’s plea fell on deaf ears. A chain of Headscissors outside the ring resulted in the Iron Man Title changing hands four times at once with Masahiro Takanashi ending up as the current champion. Mizuki Watase noticed the D-Ou Grand Prix trophy was nearby so he carried it over and pressed it down on Takanashi to pin him. However Yukinori Matsui declared that the trophy was now the champion and not Watase! Matsui brought the trophy into the ring and Watase climbed the ropes threatening to hit it with a Missile Dropkick. Hisaya Imabayashi ran in and dove onto the trophy to protect it but Matsui thought he was pinning it so he counted to three and made Imabayashi the new champion! Imabayashi used the microphone to defend himself from Naya and the others until Saki Akai got her hands on him. She set him up for the Quetzalcoatl and Imabayashi got so scared of taking the move that he instantly gave up. Akai was the champion when time ran out which means she won the match. However at the end of the show more title changes happened and Toru Owashi left as the champion.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN HARAJUKU 2 DAYS”, 14/12/2019 Tokyo Belle Epoque Beauty School 2nd School Hall 205 Fans – No Vacancy
1. 3 Way Tag Match: Toru Owashi & Yuki Ueno defeated Akito & Yukio Naya and Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda when Ueno pinned Honda with the Blizzard Suplex (9:14).
2. Yukio Sakaguchi & Makoto Oishi defeated Shunma Katsumata & Keigo Nakamura when Oishi pinned Nakamura with a European Clutch (8:59).
3. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Bull James ended in a No Contest (7:01).
4. DISASTER BOX Vs DAMNATION!: Daisuke Sasaki, Soma Takao & Mad Paulie defeated HARASHIMA, Kazuki Hirata & Naomi Yoshimura when Takao pinned Hirata with the Reverse Gory Special Bomb (10:46).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Chihiro Hashimoto (6) defeated Yuki Iino (6) with the Albright (11:53).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Chris Brookes (7) defeated Konosuke Takeshita (6) with a Cradle (19:25).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo (7) defeated Keisuke Ishii (6) with the Modified Yurikamome Hold (14:21).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block Tiebreaker: Tetsuya Endo defeated Chris Brookes with the Modified Yurikamome Hold (12:17).
The winner of the A Block is… Tetsuya Endo! The results from today’s final matches in the group ended with Endo and Chris Brookes tied for first with 7 points each. Since their group match earlier in the tournament ended in a draw, the direct confrontation rule could not be applied for the tiebreaker. Hisaya Imabayashi entered the ring after the main event and announced Endo and Brookes would have a match to determine the block winner straight away!
Brookes had a slight advantage of having some time to rest while Endo had only just fought in the main event. Brookes targeted Endo’s ankle and hit the Praying Mantis Bomb but Endo kicked out at two. Endo caught his second win on the ring apron when he struck Brookes with an Overhead Kick. He then hit the Canadian Destroyer on the ring apron! Back in the ring Endo did the Shooting Star Press but took too long to pin Brookes, giving him a nearfall. Endo applied the Modified Yurikamome Hold and while Brookes tried to make the move backfire with a Cradle, Endo put the hold back into its proper position and got Brookes to give up.
Endo celebrated with Mad Paulie and said his entire tournament run was calculated, from the bad beginning to the good finish. Endo is the strongest wrestler in the A Block. He doesn’t know who out of HARASHIMA, Daisuke Sasaki and Masato Tanaka will win the B Block tomorrow. But the winner of the D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 will be Tetsuya Endo!
But what happened to the frontrunners that allowed both Endo and Brookes to overtake them? Keisuke Ishii fell to Endo in the original main event. Ishii hit his usual moves but also a Fisherman Buster outside of the ring. But Endo blocked the Double Arm DDT and also avoided the Kneel Kick. He caught Ishii in the Yurikamome Hold for the submission victory.
Konosuke Takeshita failed to win the group when he lost to Brookes. The match went back and forth with Takeshita doing an Avalanche German Suplex only for Brookes to counter the Cross-Arm German Suplex into an Octopus Hold. Takeshita rocked Brookes with a Lariat then went for the Walls Of Takeshita. The move that served Takeshita so well this year failed him today because Brookes twisted and rolled himself into a pinning cradle to get the surprise three count on his opponent.
Lastly, Yuki Iino failed to win the group thanks to Chihiro Hashimoto, who at this point has to be recognised as his biggest rival. Hashimoto Speared Iino before finishing him off with the Albright. Iino accepts that he lost this battle of honest power. It was all physical and Hashimoto was the better wrestler. He learned that it will take more than just physical strength to finally beat Hashimoto. For Hashimoto, she hopes to return to DDT next year to challenge for the KO-D Openweight Title.
A few things happened in the non-tournament matches. Daisuke Sasaki led DAMNATION to victory over DISASTER BOX in a 6-Man Tag Match. Mad Paulie took Kazuki Hirata’s GO! glasses and put them on. Music began to play until Sasaki pulled the glasses off. Sasaki believes he will win the Grand Prix so Endo should go find a new signboard for the group.
The match between Danshoku Dieno and Bull James fell apart because of the Lip Lock. But it wasn’t Dieno who used it. James did the move to Dieno, then Yukinori Matsui, then Daisuke Kiso and then Imabayashi, causing the match to get thrown out.
There was also a lot of kissing teases in the 3 Way Tag Match.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN HIROSHIMA”, 10/12/2019 Hiroshima Aster Plaza Multipurpose Hall 205 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Akito, Shunma Katsumata & Mizuki Watase defeated Masahiro Takanashi, Yukio Naya & Keigo Nakamura when Watase pinned Nakamura with the Back Drop (5:29).
2. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Rey Paloma & Antonio Honda defeated Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi (c) when Paloma pinned Oishi with a Prawn Hold (8:22). *Rey Paloma becomes the 1,447th champion.
3. Daisuke Sasaki, Tetsuya Endo & Hiroshi Yamato defeated Toru Owashi, Kenshin Chikano & Kazuki Hirata when Endo submitted Hirata with the Modified Yurikamome Hold (7:30).
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Soma Takao (4) defeated Naomi Yoshimura (0) with a Running Elbow Butt (9:08).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Yuki Iino (6) defeated Yuki Ueno (4) with the Spear (10:47).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Chris Brookes (5) defeated Keisuke Ishii (6) with the Praying Mantis Bomb (13:51).
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Makoto Oishi defeated Rey Paloma (c) with a Cradle (8:12 pm). *Makoto Oishi becomes the 1,448th champion.
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: HARASHIMA (8) defeated Bull James (4) with the Somato (13:26).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Konosuke Takeshita (6) defeated Chihiro Hashimoto (4) with the German Suplex (20:16).
The group stage of this year’s D-Ou Grand Prix is nearing its end. Today confirmed some eliminations while keeping hopes alive for others. One such example was in the main event. Konosuke Takeshita is still alive going into the last set of matches but Chihiro Hashimoto’s chances are now gone. The German Suplexes were flying in there match including one where Hashimoto Suplexed Takeshita on the ring apron. But Takeshita won out in the end, countering the Albright into his own German Suplex and holding on for dear life so Hashimoto wouldn’t kick out. Takeshita thanked his opponent for the match but also said he is stronger than her. His goal is to win the Grand Prix and regain the KO-D Openweight Title. He hopes it will be around his waist again when DDT returns to Hiroshima next year.
HARASHIMA’s victory over Bull James keeps him tied with Daisuke Sasaki right behind the B Block leader Masato Tanaka. HARASHIMA targeted James’ leg early, using a Figure 4 Leg Lock. The plan worked out when James had difficulty moving in to do the Doink Drop. HARASHIMA stunned James with a High Kick and pinned him with the Somato. This was James’ last match in the tournament. He won’t reach the final but he is proud of his overall performance.
It has become a tight race over in the A Block. It’s even tighter now that Chris Brookes is coming in as a late challenger. By beating Keisuke Ishii, Brookes can find a path to the final if a few remaining results go his way. With Takeshita as his final opponent, Brookes warns that he is more prepared for him than anyone else in their block. It was a result that Ishii could have done without. He blamed his defeat on Brookes’ height. A pro wrestler as proud as Ishii should not be losing to tall people.
The Grand Prix is now over for Yuki Ueno. His run ends with a loss to Yuki Iino. Ueno’s excitement got the better of him. When he hit a Half Nelson Suplex he turned his back on Iino to run the ropes. What he didn’t notice was Iino standing right back up so he could grab him for a Bubba Bomb. One Lariat and a Spear later ended the match. Ueno said he has a lot of regrets from this tournament but today’s match is something he will never forget.
Things just keep getting worse for Naomi Yoshimura. His losing streak extended even further after a flash loss to Soma Takao. A Running Elbow Smash of all moves was what put Yoshimura down for the count this time. He protested the pin to Yukinori Matsui after the match. Keigo Nakamura tried to hold him back but Yoshimura retaliated by giving him a Choke Slam before storming off.
In Match #3 Kazuki Hirata unleashed his Knockout Chop on Tetsuya Endo but it had no effect. Hirata was too busy dancing to notice so Endo played dead until he found his moment to strike and win the match for DAMNATION.
Rey Paloma joined in with Antonio Honda’s usual gameplan. He suffered Honda’s usual setbacks too. However Honda came to his partner’s aid after Makoto Oishi threw him into Danshoku Dieno’s Hell Gate. Oishi had Paloma pinned in a Sunset Flip when Honda stuck his fingers in Dieno’s backside to charge up Gongitsune. Honda then used Gongitsune to poke Oishi’s face and Paloma rolled him up for the three count. Paloma won the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title but Oishi would win it back later in the show.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN FUKUOKA”, 09/12/2019 Fukuoka Nishitetsu Hall 262 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Danshoku Dieno, Masahiro Takanashi & Hiroshi Yamato defeated Toru Owashi, Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda when Takanashi pinned Honda with a School Boy (7:35).
2. Akito, Shunma Katsumata, Yuki Iino & Yuto Aijima defeated Makoto Oishi, Yukio Naya, Mizuki Watase & Azul Dragon when Iino pinned Watase with the Spear (8:21).
3. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Daisuke Sasaki (8) defeated Bull James (4) with the Cross Facelock (8:50).
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Chris Brookes (3) defeated Yuki Ueno (4) with the Itoh Special (10:17).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Keisuke Ishii (6) defeated Chihiro Hashimoto (4) with the Kneel Kick (10:58).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Masato Tanaka (10) defeated Naomi Yoshimura (0) with the Sliding D (13:46).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: HARASHIMA (6) defeated Soma Takao (2) with the Somato (10:33).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo (5) defeated Konosuke Takeshita (4) with the Modified Yurikamome Hold (23:49).
The DDT rivalry for this generation sparked back to life in Fukuoka. With the battle to reach the top of the A Block getting tougher thanks to earlier results, a win was vital for both Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo. The match took a bad turn when Endo applied an Anklelock and Takeshita reached the ropes. Endo would not let go so Yukinori Matsui stepped in to make a 5 count. When Endo let go, Takeshita threw an Enzuigiri but Endo ducked and Matsui got knocked out instead! Takeshita put Endo in the Walls Of Takeshita, making his enemy tap out. But with Matsui out of action the submission didn’t matter. Takeshita revived Matsui but fell foul to Endo’s ambush. Endo used the Puma Toke de Espaldas for a nearfall, Takeshita countered it with his own cradle for another nearfall then Endo countered that into the Yurikamome Hold. The move was sunk in tight enough to make Takeshita give up! With this victory, Endo has gotten revenge on Takeshita from “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2019” and is now in 2nd place in their group. Endo ended the show telling everyone he will win the 2019 (he means 2020) D-Ou Grand Prix!
Over in B Block the double champion HARASHIMA is catching up with the leaders. He survived a DDT onto a pile of chairs to beat Soma Takao. There was also an Elevated Double Stomp in the corner and the Schwein used by Takao but he couldn’t hit the Reverse Gory Special Bomb to finish the job. HARASHIMA cut him off with a Sole Butt to the face and pinned him with the Somato. All he is sure of in the group is he needs to win his remaining matches to qualify for the final.
Masato Tanaka is one win away from sweeping the entire B Block. His fifth win in a row came against Naomi Yoshimura, who is going the opposite direction by losing all of his matches so far. Power fought power and Tanaka took all that Yoshimura could throw at him. Before Yoshimura went down to the Sliding D, he had one moment of toughness left by kicking out of the Super Fly at one. Too bad that doesn’t earn him any points.
It seems that Chihiro Hashimoto’s momentum has completely stalled. After a great start she has now lost two in a row and has been overtaken by those who have beaten her. A clean Kneel Kick from Keisuke Ishii earned him the win today. According to Ishii this was the 254th time he used the move. He was eager to reintroduce himself as a member of Ganbare☆Wrestling to the Fukuoka crowd afterwards. Hashimoto said backstage that she is not used to losing. She will be embarrassed as both a Sendai Girls champion and a joshi wrestler if this turns out to be her breaking point.
Chris Brookes had to take a page out of a tag partner’s playbook to win his first match of the Grand Prix. He beat Yuki Ueno with the Itoh Special! Brookes found the opportunity to use the move when he caught Ueno’s legs to counter a Missile Dropkick. Ueno reached the bottom rope but was pulled back to the centre and Brookes leaned himself back even further to make his opponent give up.
The size difference between Daisuke Sasaki and Bull James was a factor from the very beginning. Sasaki struggled to lock up with James because he was easily bounced away at every attempt. Sasaki found his opportunity when James hit the corner post outside the ring. Sasaki used a chair to target the legs and also to add more damage to a Diving Elbow Drop. From there the size difference didn’t matter because Sasaki could hit the Pedigree and apply the Crossface Lock. James tried to get back up and lift his way out of the move but Sasaki tightened his grip and got James to give up. With this win Sasaki wonders if he can go to NXT and reunite with Candice LeRae. An angry James explained that his right arm was already weakened by Yukio Sakaguchi yesterday. Sasaki’s attacks today were intended to break his arm. James promised the next time DDT puts him in a match with Sasaki he will break his face with his fist!
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN OSAKA”, 08/12/2019 Osaka City Suminoe Maikon Hall 322 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Danshoku Dieno, Makoto Oishi & Hiroshi Yamato defeated Yukio Naya, Mizuki Watase & Keigo Nakamura when Oishi pinned Nakamura with the Miracle Ecstacy (10:25).
2. 4 Way Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Yuni defeated Antonio Honda & Masahiro Takanashi, Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata and Akito & Shunma Katsumata when Yuni pinned Hirata with a Hurricanrana (8:58).
3. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Bull James (4) defeated Yukio Sakaguchi (2) with the Doink Drop (7:37).
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Keisuke Ishii (4) defeated Yuki Iino (4) with the Kneel Kick (7:24).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo (3) defeated Chihiro Hashimoto (4) with the Puma Toke de Espaldas (14:31).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: HARASHIMA (4) defeated Naomi Yoshimura (0) with the Somato (14:29).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Daisuke Sasaki (6) defeated Soma Takao (2) with a Crucifix Pin (13:35).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Konosuke Takeshita (4) defeated Yuki Ueno (4) with the Walls Of Takeshita (22:39).
The next batch of D-Ou Grand Prix shows began with a trip to Osaka. The main event was between two Osaka locals, Konosuke Takeshita and Yuki Ueno. For Ueno he didn’t waste any time and he jumped Takeshita from the bell. He Dropkicked him out of the ring, Moonsaulted onto him and gave him a Brainbuster on the floor. Takeshita threw Ueno into the corner post but when he charged in, Ueno moved out of the way and Takeshita hit the post. Midway through the match Takeshita attempted the Walls Of Takeshita but Ueno escaped. Ueno countered a Lariat into a bridging Northern Lights Suplex for a nearfall. Ueno went for the Frog Splash but Takeshita got up and caught his opponent with a Flapjack in midair. He then applied the Walls Of Takeshita and eventually made Ueno tap out. Takeshita said this was his 4th singles match with Ueno. He has won all of them but Ueno is getting stronger. Takeshita also said he will win the Grand Prix on behalf of Osaka!
Just when their tag team moved past its rough patch, Daisuke Sasaki and Soma Takao had to wrestle each other in their block! Sasaki dropped to the canvas when the match began and gestured for Takao to pin him but it was a trap and Sasaki cradled him for a two count. From there the match was on. Takao chased Sasaki around ringside and knocked him off the top rope by throwing a chair at him. Takao got Sasaki in the Official Endless Waltz after some shenanigans with the referee. Sasaki kicked out and caught Takao in the Crossface Lock. Takao tried to counter it into the Gin And Tonic but Sasaki rolled him back into a Crucifix Pin to get the three count. Sasaki called today a huge win and when he wins the Grand Prix he expects an open car victory parade in Nerima.
Three matches in and Naomi Yoshimura continues to be the only wrestler without any points. His third loss was at the hands of HARASHIMA thanks to a Buzzsaw Kick and the Somato. HARASHIMA would like to face him again because they are part of the same unit.
Tetsuya Endo won his first match in the block and gave Chihiro Hashimoto her first defeat in the process. Hashimoto did the Albright German Suplex but Endo landed on his feet. The then pinned Hashimoto with the Puma Toke de Espaldas. Endo describes the move as his perfect three count. Hashimoto said Endo’s power was completely different from her previous opponents and it was hard to read his movements. She also acknowledged her right knee isn’t 100% so it was natural for Endo to target it during the match.
The top of the A Block has become packed after today’s results. Keisuke Ishii added himself to the pile by beating Yuki Iino. He wore down Iino with a Low Knee Attack, a German Suplex and then won with the Kneel Kick. Ishii called Iino a monster. Ishii had the confidence to beat a monster today.
The size and toughness of Bull James meant he could take what Yukio Sakaguchi could throw at him. Sakaguchi hit him with the God’s Right Knee but went for a Sleeper Hold afterwards. James lifted him up to escape but Sakaguchi then locked in a Jumping Triangle Choke. James lifted him up again and hit him in the corner to escape. James kept the attacks coming until he hit the Doink Drop to win. James praised Sakaguchi for being a great, talented wrestler. It was one of the hardest matches of his career so far.
Chris Brookes & Yuni won the 4 Way Tag Match. Later Yuni revealed that he had moved to Tokyo when he entered junior high school this year. He announced that he will graduate from being a child pro wrestler on 1st March next year and will re-debut as a full fledged pro wrestling trainee. After wrestling for three years, his desire to learn more has become stronger. So he will start all over again as a proper trainee and come back to the ring even stronger!
In the opening match Makoto Oishi told the other wrestlers his newborn daughter is watching him wrestle for the first time on DDT UNIVERSE. He wanted to show off some cool moves for her. He struggled at first when his opponents all brushed off his attacks but Oishi eventually got to hit a Moonsault and win with the Miracle Ecstasy.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN YOKOHAMA 2 DAYS”, 30/11/2019 Yokohama Radiant Hall 247 Fans – No Vacancy
1. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Yukio Sakaguchi Vs Naomi Yoshimura
2. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Soma Takao Vs Bull James
3. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Yuki Ueno Vs Chihiro Hashimoto
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo Vs Chris Brookes
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Konosuke Takeshita Vs Keisuke Ishii
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Daisuke Sasaki Vs Masato Tanaka
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN KIMITSU ~ KIMI NO WA PRO WRESTLING FESTA”, 01/12/2019 Chiba Kimitsu Civic Gymnasium 339 Fans
1. Toru Owashi, Kazuki Hirata & Yuki Ueno defeated Danshoku Dieno, Makoto Oishi & Mizuki Watase when Hirata pinned Watase with the Egoist Driver (11:18).
2. Battle Royal: Chris Brookes defeated Antonio Honda with the Octopus Stretch (11:43). Order Of Elimination: Andromenda KEN, Naoshi Sano, Yukio Naya, Hyper Brave G-Valion, Akito, Antonio Honda.
3. Soma Takao & Mad Paulie defeated Naomi Yoshimura & Keigo Nakamura when Takao pinned Nakamura with a Sliding Elbow Butt (11:30).
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Yuki Iino (2) defeated Tetsuya Endo (1) with the Spear (12:18).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Masato Tanaka (6) defeated Bull James (2) with the Sliding D (7:46).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Daisuke Sasaki (2) defeated Yukio Sakaguchi (2) with a Cradle (2:24).
7. HARASHIMA, Minoru Tanaka & Hiroshi Yamato defeated Konosuke Takeshita, Shunma Katsumata & Jiro Kuroshio when Yamato pinned Katsumata with a Northern Lights Bomb (23:15).
Three of the seven shows in the D-Ou Grand Prix group stage are now completed. But the headline match was all about the hometown hero Hiroshi Yamato. Everyone in the match did the X pose with their arms to mimic Yamato’s Sliding X move. Minoru Tanaka did the move into Shunma Katsumata’s crotch in the corner. Jiro Kuroshio did an X shaped Double Axe Handle to Yamato. HARASHIMA came in on a hot tag until Konosuke Takeshita stopped him with a Blue Thunder Bomb. The match came down to Yamato and Katsumata. Yamato hit the Sliding X, a Spider German Suplex, a German Suplex and a Lariat. After all of that Yamato was able to pin Katsumata with a Northern Lights Bomb at the end. Yamato talked about his 10th Anniversary show from two years ago. He couldn’t wrestle on it because he was injured at the time. Today he was able to wrestle in his hometown thanks to the local fanbase and also the DDT wrestlers that he considers his seniors. He would like to continue exciting the different regions DDT holds shows in.
In the Grand Prix, Yukio Sakaguchi’s match today was even quicker than yesterday’s. However this time he came out on the loser’s end. Daisuke Sasaki played dirty by hiding behind the referee, having Mad Paulie grab Sakaguchi’s foot and kicking Sakaguchi below the belt to roll him up for the three count. Sakaguchi cursed the result because Sasaki beat him the same way back in the King Of DDT tournament earlier this year.
The undefeated Masato Tanaka is now speeding ahead of everyone else in the B Block. His victory over Bull James means he is currently two wins ahead of his closest rivals. Tanaka couldn’t match the strength of James so he tried to attack him with chairs around ringside. James withstood the attack and brought him back into the ring, taking control when Tanaka could not Body Slam him. James kicked out of the Super Fly but missed a Hip Drop. That left him vulnerable for the Sliding D, handing Tanaka the win. James felt it was an an honour to wrestle Tanaka. He said Tanaka fought for the ECW World Heavyweight Title 20 years ago and he still has that same strength 20 years later.
Yuki Iino gets his first win in a big way, hitting two Spears to put Tetsuya Endo away. Does this mean Iino has become stronger? If you ask Endo he would say no. Instead Endo believes it is he who is getting weaker. Iino’s next group match is against Chris Brookes. He does not want to fight him for 30 minutes like Endo did.
Brookes received a 30kg bag of rice for winning the Battle Royal.
DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2020 IN YOKOHAMA 2 DAYS”, 30/11/2019 Yokohama Radiant Hall 247 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Battle Royal: Antonio Honda defeated Makoto Oishi (c) with the Gongitsune (13:17). Order Of Elimination: Hiroshi Yamato, Keigo Nakamura, Yukio Naya, Masahiro Takanashi, Mizuki Watase, Makoto Oishi. *Antonio Honda becomes the 1,445th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Makoto Oishi defeated Antonio Honda (c) with the Jikiden Tornado Clutch (5:50 pm). *Makoto Oishi becomes the 1,446th champion.
2. Akito, Shunma Katsumata & Yuki Iino defeated HARASHIMA, Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata when Iino pinned Hirata with the Haka Elbow (9:15).
3. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Yukio Sakaguchi (2) defeated Naomi Yoshimura (0) with the God’s Right Knee (3:26).
4. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Soma Takao (2) defeated Bull James (2) with a Crucifix Pin (7:40).
5. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Chihiro Hashimoto (4) defeated Yuki Ueno (2) with the Albright (13:32).
6. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo (1) Vs Chris Brookes (1) ended in a Time Limit Draw (30:00).
7. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – A Block: Keisuke Ishii (2) defeated Konosuke Takeshita (2) with the Kneel Kick (15:05).
8. D-Ou Grand Prix 2020 – B Block: Masato Tanaka (4) defeated Daisuke Sasaki (0) with the Sliding D (19:56).
Day 2 of the D-Ou Grand Prix ended with the two outside names leading both groups. Masato Tanaka topped B Block by beating Daisuke Sasaki in the main event. The two both used chairs early in the match but the dirty wrestling went away. Sasaki countered the Sliding D into a Crucifix Pin then turned it into the Cross Facelock. Tanaka cradled Sasaki for a nearfall but it also allowed him to escape the submission. Tanaka wore down Sasaki with Elbow Stikes until he put him away with the Sliding D. Tanaka said he doesn’t talk much on the microphone in ZERO1 these days but he gets to do it in DDT today. Maybe the DDT fans are disappointed with today’s result but Tanaka still wants to give everyone an exciting tournament and go all the way to the final.
Keisuke Ishii made up for yesterday’s disappointing result in a big way by beating Konosuke Takeshita! The match was decided with a duel between Lariats and Kneel Kicks. The finish saw Takeshita hit the Lariat only for Ishii to pop back up and hit the Kneel Kick for the pin. This was the first time Ishii beat Takeshita since the latter was a rookie. However Ishii understands that the win on its own means little. He is happy that the pillar of Ganbare☆Wrestling beat the ace of DDT but the win means nothing if he doesn’t do well for the rest of the Grand Prix. Ishii now has his sights set on Chihiro Hashimoto!
After today there are now two time limit draws in D-Ou history and Tetsuya Endo has been part of both of them. Endo and Chris Brookes spent a lot of time trying to give each other wet willies. It went as far as Brookes sticking his finger in Yukinori Matsui’s mouth to wet willy his way out of Endo’s Yurikamome Hold. The moves got bigger as the minutes counted down. Endo hit Tetsuya In The Sky and a Canadian Destroyer. Brookes hit an Avalanche Double Arm Suplex and a Diving Senton. A double countout almost happened in the final minutes but both men got back in at 19. Brookes caught Endo in an Ankle Hold but the bell rang when 30 minutes passed. Endo believes his D-Ou is already over. His goal was to win every match so he treats a draw the same as a loss. Also he thinks his left foot is already weakened to the point of uselessness. Brookes however is feeling more proud over the result. It’s not embarrassing to fight Endo to a 30 minutes draw. He is always going to be fighting at 100%. He is also motivated by some disparaging comments Sasaki made about him before the Grand Prix.
Hashimoto leads the A Block on her own after a win over Yuki Ueno. The Albright German Suplex was countered into a Rolling Cradle the first time but Hashimoto kicked out and hit the move properly the second time. With two wins in two matches Hashimoto wants to go on undefeated, win the Grand Prix and become the face of DDT! Ueno describes Hashimoto’s strength as identical to Yuki Iino’s. He accepts defeat today but thinks he will become better tomorrow.
Soma Takao used the referee as a shield against Bull James then spat Red Mist to blind his opponent. The distraction worked and Takao pinned James with a Crucifix Pin. Takao wants to know why a super heavyweight is in the tournament. James swore revenge on DAMNATION and he will get it when he faces Sasaki.
Yukio Sakaguchi and Naomi Yoshimura both wasted no time in trying to get their first win. Yoshimura attacked Sakaguchi before the bell. But Sakaguchi kicked his way into recovery and won with a Sleeper Hold and the God’s Right Knee. Even though it was short, Sakaguchi thanked Yoshimura for giving him a good fight. The pre-match attack made Sakaguchi remember what he has been missing lately.
In one of the non-tournament matches, Iino turned the HIRATA GO! dance into a group Haka involving everyone in the match.
Every entrant in the Battle Royal took the time to tell Makoto Oishi how much it would mean to them to win the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title. In the end Antonio Honda won the Battle Royal, last eliminating Oishi to become the champion. Oishi shook his hand afterwards but it was a trap to School Boy him and take his title back.
Posted by JamieOD 
Dramatic DDT 