DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 1” Results

July 15, 2025

DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 1”, 15/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE
??? Fans – Unannounced

1. Yuya Koroku defeated Yuki Ishida with the Chickenwing Arm Lock (9:51).
2. Director Contra Retirement Match: Yuki Iino, Yukio Naya, HARASHIMA & Akito defeated Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani, Ilusion, MJ Paul & Mataro when Iino pinned Mataro with The Apex Elbow Drop (12:20).
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll 4 Way Death Match: MAO (w/ KIMIHIRO) defeated A.YAZAWA, Kazuki Hirata and Takeshi Masada when MAO pinned YAZAWA with the Stone Cold Stunner (15:30).
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Yuki Ueno & Chris Brookes defeated Daichi Sato, Yuni & Kazuma Sumi when Higuchi pinned Yuni with a Body Slam (14:16).
5. DDT Extreme Title – About 24 Hours!! 10,000 Yen Of Pocket Money!! Pro Wrestling Excursion Death Match: To-y (c) defeated Hikaru Sato with the Kaze Ni Nare Splash (25:43:21).
*V1 for To-y.
6. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno defeated KANON with the Gaydo Clutch (11:55).

During the start of the show Danshoku Dieno and KANON had an interaction over at the autograph session that resulted in them getting into a fight. HARASHIMA stepped in to calm them down and the two bowed to each other in apology. However they ended up clashing heads and swapping bodies with each other! For the main event Dieno walked out wearing KANON’s gear and being accompanied by the rest of Strange Love Connection while KANON appeared in Dieno’s gear doing his style of entrance. Dieno in KANON’s body eventually put himself in the Hell Gate position where several wrestlers at ringside were thrown face first into his backside. Ryoma Tsukamoto, MAO, Kazuma Sumi and Yuki Ishida were all made victims of this and they all stripped off their clothes to reveal they were wearing Danshoku outfits underneath! While they caused chaos in the venue, KANON and Dieno clashed heads again and swapped their bodies back to normal. Dieno then gave KANON the Lip Lock and pinned him with the Gaydo Clutch. KIMIHIRO tried to close out the show with SLC but MAO & KANON both gave him the Lip Lock instead. Backstage Dieno said he isn’t sure if today gives him any momentum for his upcoming match against Hiroshi Tanahashi. But he did Tanahashi’s “Aishitemasu” pose to send him a message.

In the 24 hours leading into this show To-y and Hikaru Sato were given pocket money to spend on anything they wanted to use as weapons for their DDT Extreme Title match. The rules also allowed them to find ways to increase their pocket money whether it was through a public autograph session or even gambling. The match itself was also ongoing but the two were so busy finding ways to make cash and spend it that they ignored fighting each other until they actually got to the venue. To-y actually travelled to Odaiba and Sato to Harajuku at certain points in the day in search of allies to hire. To-y tried to hire Yukio Naya and Shunma Katsumata while Sato gave money to Minoru Suzuki but it turned out it was only to buy some stuff from his Piledriver shop. However it turned out Sato did indeed buy some hired goons because Ryoma Tsukamoto, Takahiro Tababa and Gajo all agreed to attack To-y for only 100 yen each. However Yuya Koroku decided to come to To-y’s rescue and even the odds somewhat. Sato put on a Minoru Suzuki shirt and the image of Suzuki intimidated To-y. But To-y took the shirt off Sato and put it on himself, causing Sato to freeze in fear at the sight of Suzuki staring back at him. The shirt also intimidated the goons into joining To-y’s side and they all piled on top of Sato after To-y did a Diving Splash while shouting “Kaze Ni Nare”. To-y said it was fate that Sato was his first challenger for the Extreme Title (actually it was a fan vote on Twitter). He also told him that any money he lent from him would not be given back. Koroku though helped To-y for free so rather than give him money, To-y asked if he would like to challenge for the Extreme Title instead? Koroku said yes because he is jealous of To-y for being the first D GENERATIONS wrestler to win that championship. The title match will go ahead at “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025 – DAY 1” on 30th August.

Daichi Sato was convinced by NωA Jr. to join in with their musical entrance for the 6-Man Tag Match. While they tried their best in the actual match they ended up being picked apart by Kazusada Higuchi, Yuki Ueno & Chris Brookes. The finish came from Higuchi repeatedly Body Slamming Yuni, encouraging him to get back up after each one. Yuni tried fighting back with some Elbow Strikes but Higuchi knocked him down with a Chop and pinned him with one final Body Slam. He gave him words of encouragement after the match, explaining that if he feels frustrated then that means he is serious about wrestling. The hiatus he is about to take also shows he is taking his college entry exams seriously as well. So if there is only one thing Higuchi can say to him it is he must pass!

KIMIHIRO got involved in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Death Match a couple of ways. Most of the music for the match played over the speakers but at one point he sang along to it with MAO joining in for a duet. KIMIHIRO also joined in with the dancing by the end and was caught in a chain of Stunners that led to MAO pinning A.YAZAWA for the win.

There was a surprise return on the show when Mataro walked out with DAMNATION T.A instead of Daisuke Sasaki! He told Akito he came here today to rise up against the ruling elite! For the last 20 years he’s been working the cameras and videos for DDT and CyberFight and he is tired of recording third rate wrestlers! Akito decided if Mataro was going to wrestle this match then he must retire if he loses. But DAMNATION T.A won then Akito would step down as Vice President of CyberFight. When the match began Sasaki was found at ringside working as a cameraman and decided to join in on the action after all. Mataro tried to submit Yuki Iino with the Crossface and when that didn’t work he went for a Lariat while Sasaki held Iino from behind. Iino broke free and Mataro hit Sasaki by mistake. Iino then took Mataro down and pinned him with The Apex Elbow, forcing Mataro into retirement for a second time. He also got a retirement ceremony again.


Extreme Title Bout Has Already Begun, Yuni Taking A Break, Wrestle Peter Pan Matches

July 14, 2025

DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 1”, 15/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. Yuya Koroku Vs Yuki Ishida
2. Special 8-Man Tag Match: Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani, Ilusion & MJ Paul Vs Yuki Iino, Yukio Naya, HARASHIMA & Akito
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll 4 Way Death Match: A.YAZAWA Vs MAO (w/ KIMIHIRO) Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Takeshi Masada
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Yuki Ueno & Chris Brookes Vs Daichi Sato, Yuni & Kazuma Sumi
5. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs KANON
6. DDT Extreme Title – About 24 Hours!! 10,000 Yen Of Pocket Money!! Pro Wrestling Excursion Death Match: To-y (c) Vs Hikaru Sato

The DDT Extreme Title match already begun earlier today. To-y and Hikaru Sato have spent the day in Shibuya where they held a public autograph session to raise more money to spend on weapons. To-y forgot to bring a marker so Sato is charging him 1,000 yen everytime To-y wants to borrow his own. When the session ended both wrestlers actually raised quite a bit of cash. Sato tweeted he added 40,000 yen to his allowance while To-y claims he raised 65,000 yen. Since then Sato went off to go find weapons to buy while To-y unsuccessfully tried to hire Yukio Naya as his bodyguard.

Unfortunately Antonio Honda has come down with a case of love sickness so he cannot compete tomorrow. A.YAZAWA will take his place in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Death Match.

DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 2”, 16/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. Jun Akiyama & Tomomitsu Matsunaga Vs Hideki Okatani & MJ Paul
2. Ilusion Vs Yuni
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Yuki Iino & Yukio Naya Vs Shinya Aoki, Daichi Sato & Kazuma Sumi
4. Dedicated To Lafcadio Hearn! Ghost Story Shin-Numabukuro Death Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Akito Vs KANON Vs Soma Takao
*Ghost Story Artist: Hisaya Imabayashi
5. Noryo KING OF DRUNK Decision Match: HARASHIMA Vs Daisuke Sasaki Vs Chris Brookes
6. Beer Garden Specialty Customer Lottery 8-Man Tag Match: To-y, Yuki Ueno, MAO, Kazuki Hirata, Antonio Honda, Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku and Yuki Ishida
7. KO-D Openweight Title Next Challenger Battle Royal: To-y Vs Yuki Iino Vs Yukio Naya Vs Daisuke Sasaki Vs Ilusion Vs Hideki Okatani Vs HARASHIMA Vs Shinya Aoki Vs Yuki Ueno Vs Chris Brookes Vs KANON Vs Akito Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Soma Takao Vs Antonio Honda Vs MJ Paul Vs Tomomitsu Matsunaga Vs Takeshi Masada Vs Yuya Koroku Vs Daichi Sato Vs Yuki Ishida Vs Kazuma Sumi

A big 22-Man Battle Royal has been added to the card. The winner will challenge for the KO-D Openweight Title at Night 2 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025”!

Yuni is planning to take a hiatus from wrestling later this month to focus on studying for his college entry exams. This show will be the last appearance of NωA Jr. for a while although Yuni’s last match before his break will actually be on 27th July. NωA Jr. still intend on having their concert this December.

DDT “TROPICAL NANIWAN SUMMER”, 19/07/2025
Osaka Azalea Taisho Hall

1. Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & Ilusion Vs Akito, Yuni & Kazuma Sumi
2. Yuki Iino & Soma Takao Vs Jun Akiyama & Daichi Sato
3. Special Single Match: Yukio Naya Vs MJ Paul
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: HARASHIMA, Naomi Yoshimura & Kazuki Hirata Vs Danshoku Dieno, Takeshi Masada & Yuya Koroku
5. Harimao Vs The 37KAMIINA!: Kazusada Higuchi & Yuki Ishida Vs Yuki Ueno & To-y
6. SCHADENFREUDE International Vs STRANGE LOVE CONNECTION: Chris Brookes & Antonio Honda Vs MAO & KANON (w/ KIMIHIRO)

As a special treat Osaka is getting a DISASTER BOX reunion as HARASHIMA, Naomi Yoshimura & Kazuki Hirata are all teaming up for a 6-Man Tag Match.

DDT “SANKO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. OME PRESENTS HARASHIMA RETURNS HOME! ~WE’RE HOLDING A SHOW IN OME! WHY? BECAUSE IT’S MY HOMETOWN!~”, 27/07/2025
Sumitomo Metal Mine Arena Ome Sports Hall 1

1. Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & Ilusion Vs Antonio Honda, Tomomitsu Matsunaga & Yuya Koroku
2. Naomi Yoshimura & Soma Takao Vs Makoto Oishi & Shinichiro Kawamatsu
3. Special Single Match: Yuni Vs Kazuma Sumi
4. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Kazuki Hirata
5. Harimao Vs STRANGE LOVE CONNECTION!: Kazusada Higuchi & Yuki Ishida Vs MAO & KANON (w/ KIMIHIRO)
6. The 37KAMIINA Vs SCHADENFREUDE International!: Yuki Ueno & To-y Vs Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada
7. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Yuki Iino & Yukio Naya (c) Vs Jun Akiyama & Daichi Sato
8. HARASHIMA Debut 24th Anniversary Match – Special 6-Man Tag Match: HARASHIMA, Togi Makabe & Yasu Urano Vs Shinya Aoki, Shuji Ishikawa & Akito

The full card for HARASHIMA’s homecoming is now set. Good to see Yoshimura is getting more matches this month.

DDT “OSAKA VS TOKYO – DREAM EAST VS WEST PRO WRESTLING BATTLE 2025”, 17/08/2025
Osaka Edion Arena #2

1. Rukiya Return Match: Rukiya Vs X
2. East Vs West Vs Unknown All-Out Competition ~ 3 Way Tag Match: Yuki Iino (Tokyo) & Yukio Naya (Tokyo) Vs Chris Brookes (UK) & Takeshi Masada (Osaka) Vs Ilusion (Unknown) & MJ Paul (Unknown)
3. East Vs West All-Out Competition ~ Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kuroshio TOKYO Japan (Tokyo), To-y (Saitama) & Kazuki Hirata (Tokyo) Vs Danshoku Dieno (Hiroshima), Shigehiro Irie (Osaka) & Mikiya Sasaki (Osaka)
4. East Vs West All-Out Competition ~ Special 8-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi (Hokkaido), Daisuke Sasaki (Tokyo), HARASHIMA (Tokyo) & Antonio Honda (Tokyo) Vs Yuki Ueno (Osaka), Hideki Okatani (Kochi), KANON (Ishikawa) & Kazuma Sumi (Mie)

This show is using geography to put together matches between the east and west of Japan. It results in a few strange bedfellows and in one case, a really bad idea. Putting KANON and Hideki Okatani on the same team is only going to cause trouble.

Rukiya will return after over a year of being on the shelf with a cervical sprain injury. He is treating his return as a way to restart from scratch in order to catch up to the rest of DDT’s young wrestlers.

DDT “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025 – DAY 1”, 30/08/2025
Tokyo Higashin Arena Main Arena

1. Hinata Kasai Debut Match: Hinata Kasai Vs X
2. Muscle Sakai 15th Anniversary Of Retirement Match ~ Special Single Match: Minoru Suzuki Vs Muscle Sakai
3. Dramatic Dream Tag Match: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita Vs Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada
4. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi (c) Vs Jun Akiyama

The first KO-D Title defence of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” sees Kazusada Higuchi put the belt on the line against Jun Akiyama. The two have a history over the title. When Akiyama held the championship in 2021 he defeated Higuchi and ordered him to wrap the belt around his waist afterwards. But then when Higuchi won the title in 2022 Akiyama was there to wrap the belt around him to bring things around full circle.

When Zack Sabre Jr. wrestled a match in DDT last year he said he would likely return when he becomes the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion again. Looks like he lived up to his promise because he and Kosei Fujita are coming back for a tag match against their buddies Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada. Things are usually friendly between TMDK and SCHADENFREUDE International but wrestling being the way it is means something can always happen to add some heat to the match. Like mistreating Bunbun for example.

October 2010 was when Muscle Sakai retired from pro wrestling after facing Minoru Suzuki in what was supposed to be his final match. Of course pro wrestling retirements are worth dick so it didn’t take long for Sakai to return under the hood of Super Sasadango Machine. This year is the 15th anniversary of that match so it is a good time to revisit it. Sakai is going to face Minoru Suzuki again!

DDT’s newest rookie is the son of Jun Kasai! That’s right, Hinata Kasai is following in the foot steps of his dad although it is interesting to see DDT become his landing spot. Hinata’s dream is to surpass his father as a wrestler but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will do it through death matches.

DDT “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025 – DAY 2”, 31/08/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. DDT Universal Title: Minoru Suzuki (c) Vs MAO
2. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi (c) Vs Winner Of 16th July Battle Royal
3. Dramatic Dream Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs Danshoku Dieno

Due to a misunderstanding over Hiroshi Tanahashi asking Sasadango to treat him to a meal sometime, the New Japan ace is coming back to DDT for a Dramatic Dream Match against Danshoku Dieno! Tanahashi is doing the rounds of Japan’s pro wrestling scene on his road to retirement. This match might be the one that’s the most unbelievable.

Either Higuchi or Akiyama will be defending the KO-D Title against the Battle Royal winner.

After defending the DDT Universal Title against Yoshihiko, Dieno and now Shinya Aoki it is time for Minoru Suzuki to face someone who is truly universal. MAO thinks it is time for him to hold the Universal Title once more and he has the momentum to beat Suzuki for it. The two have recently travelled together for some overseas bookings so Suzuki is actually looking forward to having MAO as his next big opponent.


DDT “ROCK IN RING 2025” Results

July 13, 2025

DDT “ROCK IN RING 2025 ~STRIKE THE BEAT, SHOUT THE CHEERS~”, 13/07/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
??? Fans – Unannounced

0. Dark Match: Naomi Yoshimura & Antonio Honda defeated Soma Takao & Yuni when Honda pinned Yuni with a Jackknife Pin (6:36).
1. Chris Brookes, Jun Akiyama & Daichi Sato defeated Yuki Iino, Yukio Naya & Yuki Ishida when Sato pinned Ishida with the Mad Splash (8:29).
2. 3 Way Match: Super Sasadango Machine defeated Danshoku Dieno and Kazuki Hirata when Sasadango pinned Hirata with a School Boy (4:19).
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match: MAO, KANON & Kazuma Sumi (w/ KIMIHIRO) defeated Masashi Takeda, Ilusion & Haruto Sakuraba when MAO pinned Ilusion with a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch (11:10).
4. Special Tag Match: Kosei Fujita & Takeshi Masada defeated To-y & Yuya Koroku when Masada pinned Koroku with the Masada no Chikara KOBU Mukimuki (12:22).
5. DDT Universal Title: Minoru Suzuki (c) defeated Shinya Aoki by Referee Stoppage with Elbow Strikes (15:17).
*V3 for Minoru Suzuki.
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, Akito & Kaisei Takechi defeated Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & MJ Paul when Ueno pinned Paul with the BME (11:40).
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi (c) defeated HARASHIMA with the Claw Slam (16:55).
*V1 for Kazusada Higuchi.

The new KO-D Openweight Champion treated his first defence as if he was the challenger instead of the title holder. Kazusada Higuchi took on this mindset because his opponent was HARASHIMA, one of his most difficult career opponents who he had never beaten in previous matches where the KO-D Title was on the line. HARASHIMA targeted Higuchi’s arm in a bid to shut down the Claw Hold and Claw Slam. Higuchi caught HARASHIMA’s Somato at ringside and slammed him back first onto the ring apron. He was also able to apply the Claw Hold after catching a kick leaving HARASHIMA open to be grabbed. HARASHIMA took him down with a Cross Armbreaker but Higuchi powered himself back to his feet to slam him down. He did get hit with the Somato but kicked out and was able to pin HARASHIMA with the Claw Slam to score his first defence.

After the match Higuchi called HARASHIMA a crazy 51 year old. Higuchi has only been able to beat him once so he has a long way to go. HARASHIMA told him he will keep challenging again and again if he can so Higuchi should keep polishing the belt for when he takes it back. Hisaya Imabayashi then told Higuchi his next title defence will be at Night 1 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” on 30th August. Before Higuchi could select his challenger, Jun Akiyama entered the ring and said the time is right for Higuchi to wrap the belt around his waist again. Higuchi responded that he will make Akiyama wrap the belt around his waist one more time and accepted the challenge. Akiyama then took the first shot by hitting Higuchi with a Lariat! The winner of the match will go on to defend the title on Night 2 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” on 31st August against the winner of a Battle Royal that will be held on 16th July.

It was a baptism of fire for DDT’s newest signing. Kaisei Takechi brought in a big crowd to the show like he did in his previous DDT appearances last year. Now THE RAMPAGE star will be delving into a deeper adventure into the promotion starting off with a match against DAMNATION T.A. He and Hideki Okatani had fought before and Okatani gave him a cheap shot to start off the match. Takechi relied on teamwork with Yuki Ueno & Akito to control the match until Daisuke Sasaki threw a chair at him and beat him up around ringside. Takechi caught a chairshot from Sasaki only to get hit from behind by Okatani with another chair. Yet the big comeback had Akito Side Suplex MJ Paul and Ueno follow up with a Frog Splash. The Takechi grabbed Sasaki by the neck and Choke Slammed him out of the ring onto the rest of DAMNATION T.A plus a few ringside seconds below. With the ring cleared, Ueno then landed the BME on Paul to win the match.

Takechi got on them microphone afterwards and spoke about his goal to bring pro wrestling to people who have never seen it before. If these dots connect they can make the circle of fans even bigger and create an amazing whirlwind that will help DDT become more popular. He wants to fight more opponents in DDT and also confirmed he will compete at “ULTIMATE PARTY 2025” in Sumo Hall on 3rd November. Akito, speaking from his role as a CyberFight director later said he would like to get Takechi to appear in DDT as regularly as he can before that show. Ueno asked if that means he could even be at the outdoor Ueno Park shows? Akito said absolutely! DAMNATION T.A also wants to fight Takechi more often. They accept him as a DDT wrestler but warn him that next time he won’t get away with the trouble he caused them today!

There’s been a few times Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Aoki have shared the wrestling ring together but today was the first singles match between the two accomplished fighters. The DDT Universal Title held by Suzuki was on the line too so both were trying to be at the top of their game. Suzuki flipped a switch and turned a back and forth grapple exchange into a ringside fight. Aoki hit a dive and then back in the ring went for different submissions until he locked in the Full Nelson Hold. However when he rolled it into the Aoki Clutch it was too close to the ropes and Suzuki escaped the pin because of it. Aoki applied the Full Nelson again but this time Suzuki rolled out of it and applied the Sleeper Hold as a counter. Aoki tried reversing it only to end up back in the Sleeper Hold. However Aoki still had some fight left in him and did what he could to avoid the Gotch-Style Piledriver until Suzuki fish hooked his mouth to finally pull off the move. Rather than go for the pin, Suzuki instead slapped and threw elbow strikes at Aoki repeatedly until Yukinori Matsui called for the match to end by TKO.

Suzuki told Aoki this is how much fun pro wrestling can be. Someone like Aoki cannot even get a foothold on Suzuki so Suzuki told him to get out of the ring. He then asked if there was any challenger out there who deserves to be called a Universal Champion? MAO came down to the ring and Suzuki admitted he was waiting for him to show up. MAO talked about his recent success with Strange Love Connection as well as his performances in the Best Of The Super Juniors. All of a sudden he is now feeling the urge to beat Suzuki, bring the Universal Title back to DDT and more importantly bring it back to himself! Suzuki accepted the challenge and said he’s been wanting to wrestle MAO after travelling to shows in other countries with him. MAO later called the Universal Title his ex-lover and he’s going to rescue it from that lust-driven old man!

A close friendship that crosses wrestling companies led to Takeshi Masada inviting this year’s BOSJ winner Kosei Fujita over for a tag match. The two of them fought To-y & Yuya Koroku in a match showcasing their generation. Most of the match pitted Fujita against To-y while Masada and Koroku continued their growing rivalry. Masada & Fujita ended up gelling greatly as a team and won in the end. Fujita wiped out T-oy with a dive out of the ring allowing Masada to pin Koroku with the Masada no Chikara KOBU Mukimuki.

Things went up a notch after the match when Chris Brookes entered the ring with Bunbun on his hand. Shortly following after him was the arrival of Zack Sabre Jr.! All of a sudden there was a face off between the SCHADENFREUDE International side and the TMDK side. Bunbun started mouthing off so Sabre grabbed him off Brookes’s hand and threw him out of the ring. While this was going on Hisaya Imabayashi had gotten in contact with New Japan and got their permission to book Sabre’s match at Night 1 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025”. It’s going to be Brookes & Masada against Sabre & Fujita! Backstage Fujita said he had fun in DDT today and he’d like to return the favour and invite Masada over to NJPW sometime.

DAMNATION T.A’s massive weapon was back for his second match. Haruto Sakuraba teamed with KANON for his debut but things were different this time. Now KANON is the enemy that Sakuraba came to rip apart while Ilusion and Masashi Takeda made life hell for MAO & Kazuma Sumi. However Sumi was in sync with the Strange Love Connection and KANON fought to match Sakuraba’s power with his own. Sakuraba came out on top of the exchange but Ilusion couldn’t capitalize on it. He missed the Swanton Bomb aimed for MAO and was rolled up in a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch while KANON used the Cobra Twist on Sakuraba and Sumi pinned down Takeda with a School Boy to hold them both back from breaking the pin. After the match KANON and Sakuraba continued to provoke each other. Then backstage Sakuraba blamed Ilusion for losing the match and said it isn’t over between him and KANON.

The participants of the 3 Way Match were given strict instructions by Hisaya Imabayashi to not waste any time and start right at the climax. So Danshoku Dieno immediately went into the Hell Gate position in the corner while Super Sasadango Machine unmasked himself and laid prone on the canvas. He then got back up to attack Kazuki Hirata once Hirata finished his entrance. When Dieno got the back of his tights fully pulled down, Imabayashi ran into the ring to protest it and give Sasadango a Stunner. Hirata knocked out the GM and shoved him face first into Dieno’s Hell Gate. He then hit Sasadango with an Axe Bomber but as he posed heroicly, Sasadango rolled him up with a School Boy to win the match.

After the 3 Way Match ended, Sasadango had a PowerPoint presentation to shoe everyone. In it he talked about his recent DDT Vs NJPW match and how afterwards Hiroshi Tanahashi met him in the waiting room asking to be treated to a meal sometime. Sasadango couldn’t help but wonder what Tanahashi’s intention was so he looked into the origin of the word “ogoru” (“treat”). He found out the word can be used for arrogance or pride, then discovered a Greek origin where it refers to someone following their desires and stepping into forbidden territory. So when Tanahashi asked him to treat him to a meal, Sasadango worked out that what he really meant was Tanahashi wants a singles match against Danshoku Dieno! DDT then confirmed the match will happen at Night 2 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” on 31st August!

When Dieno heard about the match he said it will not be about DDT or NJPW. For him the match is his final chance to see if Dieno’s way of life can reach Tanahashi. He then talked about the recent “shocking” discovery that Sasadango is really Muscle Sakai, who retired from pro wrestling 15 years ago. The anniversary of that retirement is coming up so Dieno thinks it would be a good time for Sakai to revisit that match. This is going to be Dieno’s treat to Sasadango. It was then announced that Muscle Sakai will face Minoru Suzuki at Night 1 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” on 30th August!

The Apex met their next challengers in a preview of the upcoming KO-D Tag Team Titles match. Jun Akiyama & Daichi Sato went toe to toe with them with Chris Brookes and Yuki Ishida throwing themselves into the action. Sato suffered the numbers game against Yuki Iino & Yukio Naya but Akiyama & Brookes were there to cut them off. That left Sato to give Ishida a Fire Thunder Driver and then get the win with the Mad Splash.

The dark match had Antonio Honda telling his jokes, Naomi Yoshimura joining in the fun, Soma Takao shilling the Dropkick Bar shirt and Yuni Moonsaulting into Honda’s raised feet so he could get pinned with a Jackknife afterwards.

There was a lot of news announcements at the beginning of the show. Rukiya announced he will return from injury on 17th August. He has been out of action since May 2024 with a cervical sprain. He described how frustrated he was seeing the other young wrestlers working so hard while he’s been gone so he is starting from scratch in a bid to catch up, surpass them and reach to the top.

A new trainee introduced himself to everybody and this one is noteworthy. If “Happy Boy” Hinata Kasai is a name that sounds familiar then it should because he is the son of “Crazy Monkey” Jun Kasai! Hinata is 21 years old from Yokohama, is 171cm tall and weighs 79kg. He will make his pro wrestling debut at Night 1 of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025” on 30th August. There is a dream he set out for himself and that is to surpass his father as a pro wrestler!

This year’s Right To Challenge Anytime, Anywhere challenge was announced. It will begin next month with four Right To Challenge prizes being put on the line in matches held on the 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th August. The four prizes are all KO-D Openweight Title shots that can be cashed in during the period between 9th August and 19th October. If a prize holder directly loses a match on a DDT show they will transfer their title shot over to the person that beat them.


DDT “KING OF KINGS ~ARASHI’S JUNE SHOWDOWN~” Results

June 29, 2025

DDT “KING OF KINGS ~ARASHI’S JUNE SHOWDOWN~”, 29/06/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
??? Fans – Unannounced

0. Dark Match: Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida defeated Akito & Kazuma Sumi when Ishida pinned Sumi with the Flame Palm (6:46).
1. Jun Akiyama, Daichi Sato & Soma Takao defeated Toru Owashi, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada when Sato pinned Masada with the Mad Splash (8:53).
2. International Special Tag Match: Mansoor & Mason Madden defeated Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata when Madden pinned Hirata after the Danshoku Driver-Style Centrefold (8:57).
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Sanshiro Takagi defeated Poison Sawada JULIE (c) with the Stunner (12:08 pm).
*Sanshiro Takagi becomes the 1,749th champion.
3. Special Tag Match: MJ Paul & Ilusion defeated HARASHIMA & Kumadori when Ilusion pinned Kumadori with a Cradle (10:43).
4. 3 Way Tag Match: Daisuke Sasaki & Hideki Okatani defeated MAO & KANON (w/ KIMIHIRO) and Shunma Katsumata & To-y when Sasaki submitted Katsumata with La Mistica Crossface Lock (8:39).
5. Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Yuki Ueno defeated Shinya Aoki & Yuya Koroku when Ueno pinned Koroku with a Chickenwing Arm Lock Counter (14:03).
6. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Yuki Iino & Yukio Naya defeated Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura (c) when Naya pinned Abe with The World’s Best Back Drop (14:14).
*Astronauts fails in V6. The Apex become the 87th KO-D Tag Team Champions!
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi defeated Chris Brookes (c) with the Claw Slam (20:43).
*Chris Brookes fails in V5. Kazusada Higuchi becomes the 85th KO-D Openweight Champion!

Three months after his return from injury, Kazuasada Higuchi has climbed to the top of DDT again to regain his place as the KO-D Openweight Champion! His match with Chris Brookes started with a Chop battle and quickly escalated from there. Brookes did a Piledriver onto the ring apron, a Diving Foot Stomp to the outside, an Avalanche Double Arm Suplex back into the ring and also the Somato. Higuchi kicked out of the Praying Mantis Bomb, Heabutted his way into taking control of the match and did the Claw Slam, which Brookes also kicked out of. Higuchi then powered his way out of the Octopus Hold and used Lariats as well as the Doctor Bomb to soften up the champ. Another Claw Slam (that Brookes tried to stop by pinching Higuchi’s nose) after that kept Brookes down for the count and made Higuchi the new champion!

Brookes was leaving the ring when Higuchi called for him to come back. He told Brookes he is really strong for brushing off every challenge that has come his way in order to defend the KO-D Title. Brookes wrapped the belt around Higuchi’s waist then Harimao and SCHADENFREUDE International shared cans of beer together. Higuchi talked about how it was his dream to regain the title when HARASHIMA approached the ring. He said he always admires strength which is why he always aiming to win the strongest championship in DDT. Therefore he is here to challenge Higuchi for a title match! Higuchi agreed and the match will take place at Korakuen Hall on 13th July.

A new heavyweight tag team has taken over the tag division. Yuki Iino & Yukio Naya only just recently joined forces but their combined power was too much for Astronauts to handle. The result brings an end to their KO-D Tag Team Title reign at the halfway point of reaching their goal to get the most title defences. Fuminori Abe continued to stop Iino from doing his “I Am BURNING! Yeah!” catchphrase as he’s been doing in the buildup to this match. But Iino got the last laugh by hitting him and Takuya Nomura with a Double Spear then gave another Spear to Nomura so he wouldn’t be able to stop Naya pinning Abe with The World’s Best Back Drop. However Abe was able to get one last sucker punch in to stop Iino from saying his catchphrase after the match.

Despite becoming the new KO-D Tag Champs, Naya told Iino they still have a lot to learn but at least together they will make DDT the best it can be. Iino is pleased to have safely come back from his eye injury and win his comeback match. He also revealed to everyone their tag team’s new name. Is it BURNING? No, it is The Apex! They way he announced it left the audience feeling a bit confused but Jun Akiyama & Daichi Sato walked out to quickly move on from the awkward moment so they could challenge The Apex for the titles. Akiyama even said out loud what a confusing name it is. Earlier in the show Sato directly won a DDT match for the first time today and he wants to carry on that momentum to get a title shot with Akiyama. Naya accepted but warned Sato not to get too cocky just because he won one match. The title bout will happen in Sumitomo on 27th July.

Earlier in the show Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Aoki had a contract signing segment for their DDT Universal Title match taking place on 13th July. It went ahead without any trouble although the two had a tense staredown at the end of it. Then later in the show they fought in a tag team match with Yuki Ueno on Suzuki’s team and Yuya Koroku on Aoki’s. This turned out to be a lot more dangerous with Suzuki and Aoki having a ringside brawl with chairshots being thrown. Back in the ring Koroku went for the Triangle Lancer on Ueno but Suzuki found himself getting trapped in Aoki’s Sleeper Hold. Ueno made a surprise cradle counter on Koroku to get away with the win but as this was happening, his partner Suzuki was choked out cold by Aoki! After the match Aoki got on the microphone and simply said it was an “Easy job.” He had already made his way to the back when Suzuki regained consciousness. Suzuki then immediately went on a rampage by kicking referees, attacking the wrestlers doing ringside duties and throwing furniture around the venue.

A 3 Way Tag Match featuring wrestlers from Strange Love Connection, The 37KAMIINA and DAMNATION T.A was always going to get out of control. To-y wanted to show how crazy he is but Daisuke Sasaki hit him in the back with a chair. To-y tried to get revenge with a Diving Body Press but Sasaki blocked it with his knees. MAO & KANON worked over Hideki Okatani with double team moves until Shunma Katsumata stunned MAO with a Thrust Kick. MAO fired back with the Michinoku Driver II but Sasaki broke the pin and then put Katsumata in La Mistica Crossface Lock to make him tap out.

Other members of DAMNATION T.A played spoiler for Kumadori’s return to DDT. Ilusion in particular wanted to make an example of the O-MENZ dancer because he got served when it comes to dance moves. HARASHIMA came to Kumadori’s aid by hitting Ilusion with a Standing Somato and then went to hold MJ Paul back. But Ilusion found the referee’s blind spot to give Kumadori a Low Blow and get away with cradling him for the three count. Ilusion made fun of Kumadori afterwards, calling him a weak baby who should go back to his mom’s bed instead of being in the ring. Kumdaori demanded a singles match with Ilusion and he is going to get it at Shinjuku FACE on 16th July.

Perhaps MxM Collection are an even better fit in DDT than I thought. They made their entrance to “Death By Glamour” from Undertale and did their own little dance along with their chic poses. They weren’t going to beat Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata in a popularity contest though, if only because Dieno brought his pet dog Haku down to the ring. Once the match actually began Mansoor quickly found out how much of a pervert Dieno is. MxM did some of their own Danshoku moves to Hirata but that only made Dieno want to take Hirata’s place. It fired him up enough to get the hot tag just so nothing could stop him from getting a piece of Mason Madden. But when Madden grabbed him for a Choke Slam, Dieno successfully pleaded him not to do it because Haku was watching from the corner. When Mason bowed to Haku in apology Dieno knocked him out of the ring, attached the handle to Haku’s dog collar around his neck and made Haku walk forward to strangle him. Mansoor then tried to take Haku and bring him up to the top rope when Hirata stopped him. Dieno stripped off his main tights and tried to do Danshoku things to MxM when Madden escaped and hit a Double Spear to Dieno & Hirata. Madden then put Dieno’s tights on himself and with Mansoor gave Hirata the Centrefold (elevated double team Pedigree) to get the win.

Sato’s first DDT win was almost overshadowed by Soma Takao attacking Bunbun with an unwarranted Leg Drop during the match. Toru Owashi used a little bit of lucha to deal with him and Sato while Antonio Honda prepared Gongitsune. Things almost got passionate between Sato and Takeshi Masada but Akiyama was there to give Masada the Exploder Suplex. Sato then scored his first win by hitting the Mad Splash from the top rope.

Naomi Yoshimura’s limited schedule has put him in the dark match for today’s show. He and Yuki Ishida kicked off what became a good day for Harimao by beating Akito & Kazuma Sumi. Akito targeted Yoshimura’s massive legs to slow him down but couldn’t count on Sumi to finish Ishida. Instead Ishida gave him a Back Drop followed by the Flame Palm for the victory.

To celebrate the 25 years of the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title its creator and current champion Poison Sawada JULIE went and created a brand new belt to replace the first generation prize that has become badly worn down. Sawada explained it was originally created so he could fight Sanshiro Takagi 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However many, many different things got in their way resulting in so many wrestlers, oridnary people, animals and inanimate objects to become champions over the last 25 years. Hisaya Imabayashi presented the 2nd generation belt to Sawada who started laughing because nobody will ever be able to take it off him! Then Takagi ran into the ring, gave Sawada the Stunner and pinned him to win the title. Backstage Takagi said he hopes the new belt will make new history for the championship. He also told fans to keep an eye on its movements because it will also show up in Super Japan as well as DDT.

It was announced that Zack Sabre Jr. will compete at “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2025 – DAY 1” being held in Higashin Arena Main Arena on 30th August. This news came out hours before Sabre won back the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at today’s New Japan show.


HYPE! 3 Coming Tomorrow, Riara To Visit TJPW, Super Japan Debut

June 26, 2025

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “HYPER MISAO PRODUCE ~ HYPE! 3”, 27/06/2025
Tokyo Kitazawa Town Hall

The confirmed participants for tomorrow’s show are Hyper Misao, Shoko Nakajima, Rika Tasumi, Yuki Aino, Raku, Mahiro Kiryu, Suzume, Haru Kazashiro, Toga, Shino Suzuki and Uta Takami. The poster for the show and some of the pictures being sold for merch suggests the story might be sci-fi themed but who knows what Misao and her crew has in store for everyone.

DDT “KING OF KINGS ~ARASHI’S JUNE SHOWDOWN~”, 29/06/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

0. Dark Match: Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida Vs Akito & Kazuma Sumi
1. Jun Akiyama, Daichi Sato & Soma Takao Vs Toru Owashi, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada
2. International Special Tag Match: Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata Vs Mansoor & Mason Madden
3. Special Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Kumadori Vs MJ Paul & Ilusion
4. 3 Way Tag Match: Daisuke Sasaki & Hideki Okatani Vs MAO & KANON (w/ KIMIHIRO) Vs Shunma Katsumata & To-y
5. Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Yuki Ueno Vs Shinya Aoki & Yuya Koroku
6. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura (c) Vs Yukio Naya & Yuki Iino
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) Vs Kazusada Higuchi

After the dark match there will be a contract signing for the upcoming DDT Universal Title match between Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Aoki.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER SUN PRINCESS ’25!”, 05/07/2025
Yokohama Radiant Hall

1. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 2: Wakana Uehara Vs Shino Suzuki
2. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 2: Haru Kazashiro Vs Ivy Steele
3. Mahiro Kiryu, Toga & Chika Nanase Vs Arisu Endo, Uta Takami & Ren Konatsu
4. Yoshiko Hasegawa & Kaya Toribami Vs HIMAWARI & Riara
5. Yuki Kamifuku, Mifu Ashida & Kira Summer Vs Yuki Aino, Raku & Pom Harajuku
6. Mizuki, Shoko Nakajima, Hyper Misao & Suzume Vs Yuki Arai, Rika Tatsumi, Miu Watanabe & Moka Miyamoto

It’s not exactly the go home show for “SUMMER SUN PRINCESS ’25” because Yoshiko Hasegawa’s graduation and the Texas tour will both be happening between now and then. But this show is getting the champions versus challengers multi-woman tag match.

Speaking of Hasegawa’s graduation, her good buddy Riara is showing up to face her inside a Tokyo Joshi Pro ring.

The winners of Wakana Uehara versus Shino Suzuki and Haru Kazashiro versus Ivy Steele will qualify for the Tokyo Princess Cup.

Maki Itoh will be missing the show due to a scheduling conflict. It is not wrestling related, I believe she is appearing at a LinQ concert that day because a member of that group is graduating.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “YOSHIKO HASEGAWA GRADUATION EVENT – NONFICTION”, 08/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 2: Moka Miyamoto Vs Kaya Toribami
2. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 2: Pom Harajuku Vs HIMAWARI
3. Yoshiko Hasegawa Graduation Commemorative Match ~ 1 Vs 27 Handicap Match: Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Mizuki, Shoko Nakajima, Hyper Misao, Suzume, Rika Tatsumi, Maki Itoh, Yuki Kamifuku, Yuki Aino, Miu Watanabe, Raku, Pom Harajuku, Mahiro Kiryu, Moka Miyamoto, Arisu Endo, Yuki Arai, Kaya Torbami, Wakana Uehara, HIMAWARI, Toga, Shino Suzuki, Haru Kazashiro, Mifu Ashida, Kira Summer, Chika Nanase, Uta Takami, Ren Konatsu & Ivy Steele

So by the process of elimination, the two remaining Princess Cup qualifiers take place here. The winners of Moka Miyamoto versus Kaya Toribami and Pom Harajuku versus HIMAWARI take the final two spots.

DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 1”, 15/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. Rock ‘N’ Roll 5 Way Death Match: Antonio Honda Vs MAO (w/ KIMIHIRO) Vs Shunma Katsumata Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Takeshi Masada
2. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs KANON
3. DDT Extreme Title: To-y (c) Vs Hikaru Sato

Will we finally get a Rock ‘N’ Roll Death Match with Antonio Honda in it or will he get struck with love sickness again?

DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2025 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 2”, 16/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. Dedicated To Lafcadio Hearn! Ghost Story Shin-Numabukuro Death Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Akito Vs KANON Vs Soma Takao
*Ghost Story Artist: Hisaya Imabayashi
2. Noryo KING OF DRUNK Decision Match: HARASHIMA Vs Daisuke Sasaki Vs Shunma Katsumata
3. Beer Garden Specialty Customer Lottery 8-Man Tag Match: To-y, Yuki Ueno, MAO, Kazuki Hirata, Antonio Honda, Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku and Yuki Ishida

We haven’t had a ghost story yet this year so here comes Hisaya Imabayashi to tell a tale inspired by the works of Yakumo Koizumi (aka Lafcadio Hearn).

SUPER JAPAN “SANSHIRO TAKAGI 30TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT ~SUPER JAPAN PRO WRESTLING HATAAGE-SEN”, 19/08/2025
Tokyo Ueno Park Outdoor Stage

1. Special Single Match: TAKA Michinoku Vs MIKAMI

Plans have changed and Sanshiro Takagi has decided to rebrand his 30th Anniversary spin-off brand. Gone is MatchMake & Agent Pro Wrestling and taking its place is Super Japan Pro Wrestling! Takagi wants to imagine what it would be like if the wrestling promotion he helped form in 1997 was named Super Japan instead of Dramatic Dream Team. Part of that vision is getting one of DDT’s other founders MIKAMI to take part in the debut show. He will face the similarly aged TAKA Michinoku in what might be Super Japan’s inaugural match.

Also announced for the show are Kuroshio TOKYO Japan, The Brahman Brothers, Fuminori Abe and Ippanjin Munenori Sawa. Takagi and The Brahmans all want Yuji Nagata to be on the show but he keeps turning them down.


Next Extreme Title Match, Neko Out With A Torn ACL, Shinjuku FACE’s 20th Anniversary

June 10, 2025

DDT “THAT’S RIGHT! LET’S GO TO BEER GARDEN PRO WRESTLING 2025”, 11/06/2025
Tokyo Ueno Park Outdoor Stage

1. HARASHIMA & Yuya Koroku Vs Hideki Okatani & MJ Paul
2. Blow Away The Rainy Season! Officially Licensed Umbrella Only Death Match: Daisuke Sasaki & Ilusion Vs Yuni & Kazuma Sumi
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ In The RING Rules: Chris Brookes, Takeshi Masada & Shin Suzuki Vs Kazusada Higuchi, Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida
4. K(ANON)-1 GP 2025: KANON Vs Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda
5. Special Tag Match: Jun Akiyama & Shinya Aoki Vs MAO & Danshoku Dieno (w/ KIMIHIRO)
6. Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y Vs Akito, Yukio Naya & Daichi Sato

This is the match order for tomorrow’s Beer Garden show.

DDT “ECHIGO POWER SLAM”, 15/06/2025
Niigata City Higashi Ward Plaza

1. Takeshi Masada & Kazuma Sumi Vs Yuni & Daichi Sato
2. HARASHIMA & Kazuki Hirata Vs Danshoku Dieno & Akito
3. Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani, MJ Paul & Ilusion Vs Jun Akiyama, Shunma Katsumata, Soma Takao & Yukio Naya
4. After KING OF DDT 2025! Special Single Match: Yuki Ueno Vs Yuya Koroku
5. Special 3 Way Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Antonio Honda Vs Kazusada Higuchi & Yuki Ishida Vs MAO & KANON (w/ KIMIHIRO)
6. DDT Extreme Title: Super Sasadango Machine (c) Vs To-y

After taking us through a journey yesterday, Super Sasadango Machine has his next DDT Extreme Title defence already lined up. To-y has been chosen as his next challenger.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN KOFU”, 21/06/2025
Yamanashi Kose Sports Park Gymnasium Sub-Arena (Kofu City)

-. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 1: Pom Harajuku defeated Haruna Neko by Forfeit.
1. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 1: X Vs X

There was an update from Tokyo Joshi Pro about Haruna Neko that was put out today. Her right knee injury was diagnosed as a torn ACL along with bone bruising in her femur and tibia. She will be out of action for a long time in order to get surgery and rehabilitation. Her Tokyo Princess Cup qualifier match against Pom Harajuku was going to be held on 21st June but Neko has forfeited the match. She will still make an appearance at the show because it is happening just before her sugery takes place.

“SHINJUKU FACE 20TH ANNIVERSARY ~MILESTONE~”, 31/07/2025
Shinjuku FACE

1. Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & Ilusion Vs Toru Owashi, Kazuki Hirata & Makoto Oishi
2. Minoru Suzuki & Chinsuke Nakamura Vs Jun Akiyama & Fat Kobashi
3. Mayumi Ozaki, HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya Vs Shin Sakura Hirota, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada (w/ Sanshiro Takagi)
4. Kuroshio TOKYO Japan Vs MAO
5. Hiromu Takahashi & Chris Brookes Vs Yuki Ueno & Atsuki Aoyagi

This July Shinjuku FACE will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its grand opening. The venue has been holding various pro wrestling events along with other combat sports deep in the heart of Kabukicho ever since. To celebrate the occasion, DDT will be holding an event there along with five other promotions: New Japan, All Japan, OZ Academy, Up Town and West Gate Wrestling Federation. It’s not a massive lineup but some names showing up alongside the DDT wrestlers include Hiromu Takahashi, Atsuki Aoyagi, Kuroshio TOKYO Japan, Mayumi Ozaki, Sakura Hirota, Minoru Suzuki and the parody pair of Chinsuke Nakamura and Fat Kobashi.


DDT “NAGOYA FIGHT FEVER 2025” Results

June 1, 2025

DDT “NAGOYA FIGHT FEVER 2025”, 01/06/2025
Aichi Chunichi Hall & Conference
??? Fans – Unannounced

1. Special Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Yasu Urano defeated Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida when HARASHIMA pinned Ishida with the Somato (8:54).
2. Thank You Toru Owashi ~ Toru Owashi 20th Anniversary Of DDT Participation Series Vol. 3: Antonio Honda defeated Toru Owashi, Danshoku Dieno and Kazuki Hirata when Honda submitted Hirata with an Ankle Lock (6:58).
3. Akito defeated Yuya Koroku with a Cradle (9:59).
4. Jun Akiyama & Yuni defeated Daichi Sato & Kazuma Sumi when Yuni pinned Sumi with the Messiah DDT (8:46).
5. After KING OF DDT 2025! Special Single Match: KANON defeated Takeshi Masada with the Cobra Twist 2.0 (7:56).
6. Special Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Minoru Suzuki defeated Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya when Brookes pinned Higuchi with the Praying Mantis Bomb (13:22).
7. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & Ilusion (c) defeated Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y when Okatani pinned Katsumata with the Vertical Drop Brainbuster (18:31).
*V2 for DAMNATION T.A.

Shunma Katsumata’s second straight shot at the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles ended in failure again. DAMNATION T.A attacked The 37KAMIINA from the jump, Daisuke Sasaki hit Katumata with a chair and MJ Paul interfered too. Ilusion did the Swanton Bomb and Hideki Okatani hit the Skewered Claymore but Yuki Ueno & To-y came to their partner’s rescue. The three of them wanted to give Okatani the Everybody’s MADMAX but Sasaki came back with the chair to break them up. From there Okatani gave Katsumata an Avalanche Double Arm Suplex, Sasaki followed up with Diving Elbow Drops and Okatani scored the pin with the Vertical Drop Brainbuster.

After the match Ilusion rubbed salt on his opponent’s wounds by yelling “Fuck!” at Ueno. Then SCHADENFREUDE International walked out to the ring. Takeshi Masada joked that nobody in DAMNATION T.A is good enough to become SCHADENFREUDE’s mascot so now it’s SCHADENFREUDE’s turn to get a title shot. Ilusion pointed out that Masada lost his match earlier and shouldn’t be relying on some weird, shitty and creepy mascot. However Antonio Honda then pointed out that he pinned Ilusion at Korakuen Hall last week so Ilusion would be a chickenshit to turn down the challenge! Ilusion claimed he doesn’t remember that match but DAMNATION T.A will give them the next title shot. It will happen on 5th July.

The two champions are looking strong going at the moment. Chris Brookes & Minoru Suzuki teamed up as the KO-D Openweight Champion and DDT Universal Champion. Brookes’s next challenger Kazusada Higuchi was on the other team and Suzuki didn’t care that he had to fight Yukio Naya instead of Shinya Aoki. While Suzuki dealt with Naya, Brookes tried to put down Higuchi but found himself in danger instead. Suzuki came to the rescue by putting Higuchi in the Sleeper Hold, wearing him down for Brookes to beat him with a High Kick and the Praying Mantis Bomb. Suzuki called Brookes a strong wrestler but warned that as long as he holds the KO-D Title, Suzuki will always be nearby because one championship is not enough for him!

Upcoming KO-D Tag Team Title contenders Akito and Yuya Koroku were pitted against each other so they could test each other’s strength. They spent the match using a lot of grappling and mat work. It was an even contest until Koroku went for the Triangle Lancer. Akito ended up trapping Koroku’s arms in a Cradle and sat down with all of his weight to pin him for the victory. Koroku said he always wanted to wrestle Akito and felt he was able to show his own true self this way. Akito thinks Koroku has the desire to try out a new kind of wrestling. He also thinks they won’t be able to beat Astronauts if they just use normal wrestling. The path that will bring them to victory is to do what they want that is unique. That’s the DDT way.

One of the matches today was put together so everyone could show their appreciation for Toru Owashi. That meant the audience had to cheer and chant for Owashi as hard as they could whenever Kazuki Hirata raised his hand. Owashi didn’t suspect anything at first but caught on to the trick and didn’t appreciate the insincere cheering. So Hirata, Honda & Danshoku Dieno all ganged up on him. But when Dieno went to the corner in the Hell Gate position, Hirata Body Slammed Honda in the middle of the ring and encouraged Owashi to climb the top rope. Owashi did so but Honda then rolled up Hirata and put him in an Ankle Lock to make him tap out. A dumbfounded Owashi stood still on the top rope afterward. He was given the microphone where he thanked the fans for supporting DDT and told them to enjoy the rest of the show.


Did Itoh Replace Mizuki With Takami? Next KO-D & Universal Title Defences

May 26, 2025

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN NERIMA”, 31/05/2025
Tokyo Nerima Coconeri Hall

1. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 1: Mahiro Kiryu Vs Moka Miyamoto
2. 12th Tokyo Princess Cup Preliminary League – Round 1: Wakana Uehara Vs Kira Summer
3. Miu Watanabe, Haruna Neko & Ivy Steele Vs Pom Harajuku, HIMAWARI & Haru Kazashiro
4. Rika Tatsumi & Yuki Aino Vs Yuki Arai & Mifu Ashida
5. Shoko Nakajima, Arisu Endo & Chika Nanase Vs Kaya Toribami, Toga & Shino Suzuki
6. Mizuki & Jada Stone Vs Maki Itoh & Uta Takami
7. International Princess Title: Suzume (c) Vs Yoshiko Hasegawa

Jada Stone’s return to Tokyo Joshi Pro begins with her teaming up with Mizuki to face what is apparently the new and improved Itoh Respect Army. How will Mizuki react to Uta Takami singing her part of “Setsunairo” with Maki Itoh?

The Preliminary League for this year’s Tokyo Princess Cup begins with two opening round qualifying matches. Mahiro Kiryu, Moka Miyamoto, Wakana Uehara and Kira Summer are the first four up. Two go through, two go out.

Both Yuki Kamifuku and Raku will be missing the show because they will be wrestling overseas that weekend. Kamifuku will be in Singapore for SPW while Raku is in Thailand for SETUP.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN NAGOYA”, 01/06/2025
Aichi Chunichi Hall

1. Konatsu Debut Match: Suzume Vs Konatsu
2. Yoshiko Hasegawa, Kira Summer & Ivy Steele Vs Moka Miyamoto, Toga & Chika Nanase
3. Rika Tatsumi, Wakana Uehara & Mifu Ashida Vs Mahiro Kiryu, Haruna Neko & Shino Suzuki
4. Shoko Nakajima & Haru Kazashiro Vs Kaya Toribami Vs HIMAWARI
5. Mizuki Vs Uta Takami
6. Last One Standing 8-Woman Tag Team Elimination Match: Miu Watanabe Vs Maki Itoh Vs Yuki Kamifuku Vs Yuki Aino Vs Yuki Arai Vs Pom Harajuku Vs Arisu Endo Vs Jada Stone

Well if Mizuki is feeling like Takami replaced her in the Itoh Respect Army she doesn’t have to wait long to get her alone in the ring.

There is also another prelim tag match for Shoko Nakajima and Kaya Toribami to get them ready for their MLW Women’s Title bout.

The trainee Konatsu’s debut match will be against Suzume! Konatsu’s official ring name will be revealed soon.

Raku will miss this show but Kamifuku will have returned in time to take part.

DDT “NAGOYA FIGHT FEVER 2025”, 01/06/2025
Aichi Chunichi Hall & Conference

1. Akito Vs Yuya Koroku
2. Jun Akiyama & Yuni Vs Daichi Sato & Kazuma Sumi
3. Thank You Toru Owashi ~ Toru Owashi 20th Anniversary Of DDT Participation Series Vol. 3: Toru Owashi Vs Danshoku Dieno Vs Antonio Honda Vs Kazuki Hirata
4. Special Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Yasu Urano Vs Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida
5. After KING OF DDT 2025! Special Single Match: KANON Vs Takeshi Masada
6. Special Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Minoru Suzuki Vs Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya
7. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Daisuke Sasaki, Hideki Okatani & Ilusion (c) Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y

The KO-D Openweight Champion and DDT Universal Champion are teaming up again! The last time Chris Brookes & Minoru Suzuki were tag partners was last November when they fought Yuki Ueno & MAO to a time limit draw. This time they will be taking on Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya.

DDT “MY LOVE LETTER 2025”, 07/06/2025
Tokyo Shinagawa Prince Hotel Club eX

1. Antonio Honda 20th Anniversary Match ~ Special Single Match: Daisuke Sasaki Vs Antonio Honda
2. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura (c) Vs Akito & Yuya Koroku

The KO-D Tag Team Titles have been away from DDT for the last month because Astronauts have been defending the belts in other promotions to build up victories on the long road to breaking the current record. With successful title defences in Big Japan and BURST, Astronauts have now retained the championship four times in this reign. Only Akito & Yuya Koroku seemed to have noticed the title’s absence from DDT. They also enjoyed teaming up together over the weekend and would like to continue doing that so they’re going to challenge Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura to bring the titles back home.

DDT “MACHIDA KANSAI PRO WRESTLING FESTIVAL 2025”, 21/06/2025
Tokyo Machida GION Stadium Glass Garden Special Ring

1. Danshoku Dieno, Kazuki Hirata & Pokotan Vs Yukio Naya, Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi
2. MAO & KANON Vs Kazusada Higuchi & Yuki Ishida
3. Chris Brookes, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y

DDT are holding a few matches outside the stadium of a FC Machida Zelvia home game.

A reminder that Pokotan’s Head is currently the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion. Not Pokotan, just his detached head.

DDT “KING OF KINGS ~ARASHI’S JUNE SHOWDOWN~”, 29/06/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) Vs Kazusada Higuchi

This year’s King Of DDT is getting his KO-D Title shot at the end of June. Higuchi can give his comeback the ultimate happy ending if he can beat Brookes to become the champion of DDT again.

Both Minoru Suzuki and Shinya Aoki will be on the show. Speaking of which…

DDT “ROCK IN RING 2025 ~PLAY THE STRIKES, SHOUT THE CHEERS”, 13/07/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. DDT Universal Title: Minoru Suzuki (c) Vs Shinya Aoki

Suzuki is now getting his kind of fighter for his next title defence. Aoki is tired of seeing Suzuki being treated like an invincible warrior who cannot be defeated so he is stepping forward to face him for the Universal Title. Suzuki is done fighting the likes of Yoshihiko and Danshoku Dieno. He will be happy if the Aoki facing him is the real deal and not somebody who has succumbed to DDT’s silliness.

Haruto Sakuraba will be on the show taking part in his second wrestling match. He is specifically targeting KANON with the goal of destroying him for good so KANON will never get in DAMNATION T.A’s way again.


DDT “KING OF DDT 2025 FINAL!!” Results

May 25, 2025

DDT “KING OF DDT 2025 FINAL!!”, 25/05/2025
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
??? Fans – Unannounced

1. SCHADENFREUDE International Vs DAMNATION T.A!: Chris Brookes, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada defeated Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & Ilusion when Honda pinned Ilusion with the Japanese Leg Roll Clutch (9:59).
2. King Of DDT 2025 – Semi Final: Kazusada Higuchi defeated Yuki Ueno with the Claw Slam (12:10).
3. King Of DDT 2025 – Semi Final: KANON defeated Hideki Okatani with the LONELY DEZIRES (9:41).
4. 4 Way Tag Match: Akito & Yuya Koroku defeated HARASHIMA & Kazuki Hirata, Toru Owashi & Yuki Ishida and Yuni & Kazuma Sumi when Koroku submitted Akito with the Modified Triangle Lancer (9:47).
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Shinya Aoki, Shunma Katsumata & To-y defeated Jun Akiyama, Yukio Naya & Daichi Sato when Aoki pinned Sato with a Modified Crucific Pin (8:45).
6. DDT Universal Title: Minoru Suzuki (c) defeated Danshoku Dieno with the Gotch-Style Piledriver (12:50).
*V2 for Minoru Suzuki.
7. King Of DDT 2025 – Final: Kazusada Higuchi defeated KANON with the Claw Slam (19:09).

Any lingering doubt that Kazusada Higuchi had returned to action in perfect condition can now be laid to rest because he has won this year’s King Of DDT tournament! He came back to the ring with something to prove and meeting him in the final was KANON, who had his own eventful journey to get here. When KANON put Higuchi in the Cobra Twist 2.0, Higuchi grabbed him by the jaw and countered the hold into the Claw Slam. KANON used the Lariat many times to hit back against Higuchi’s Double Chops. But Higuchi hit him back with Headbutts, Lariats and the Doctor Bomb for a nearfall. Higuchi was then able to apply the Claw once more and used another Claw Slam to get the three count and be crowned King Of DDT for the second time in his career.

Higuchi was filled with joy when he received his trophy. He told the fans when he was away recovering from his neck injury he thought he wouldn’t be able to survive in the ring anymore. But he took things one step at a time and is happy to be standing here today talking to everyone as the tournament champion. He thanked the other members of Harimao at ringside for always standing by him and later spoke about how grateful he is towards each of his opponents in this year’s tournament. But there’s one more thing he wants. As King Of DDT he now qualifies for a shot for the KO-D Openweight Title! Meanwhile KANON said this month has been the most fulfilling period of his career since coming to DDT and he is really glad he joined the promotion. He wants to earn a KO-D Title shot by himself and said he will definitely get it at the next opportunity.

KANON had to overcome a grudge with Hideki Okatani to reach the final. Okatani was KANON’s replacement in DAMNATION T.A after KANON was kicked out of the unit. Okatani attacked KANON with the bamboo stick at the start and had Ilusion interfere for him but KANON built up a comeback that included him blocking those attacks. Okatani turned the tables again by doing a Sling Blade style Crucifix Pin and also the Skewer-Style Claymore for a nearfall. KANON got things back on track with a Brainbuster, followed up with a Lariats and then got the victory by pinning Okatani with the LONELY DEZIRES.

Higuchi had to survive against everything Yuki Ueno could throw at him in the other semi final. Ueno used everything in his arsenal including a Springboard Hurricanrana, the Blackout Sleeper, the Jul.2 and also the Dropkick aimed for Higuchi’s face. But Ueno didn’t expect Higuchi to grab him in the Claw Hold straight after kicking out of a pin. He also didn’t expect Higuchi to run through the WR and Shining Wizard with Lariat counters that knocked Ueno senseless. Ueno had enough awareness to block Higuchi from giving him the Claw Slam except Higuchi then grabbed him from the back of the head to squeeze the life out of him before finishing him off with the Claw Slam. Ueno backstage said he wanted to win but admits that is the Higuchi everyone loves to see. While Konosuke Takeshita and MAO are showing everyone how great they are in other promotions, Ueno thinks it is up to him to show the wrestling world that you can still find power and dreams in DDT too.

Maybe Strong Style isn’t the right fit for Danshoku Dieno after all. He tried living up to his promise to give Minoru Suzuki the most serious fight of his life for the DDT Universal Title and wore plain black trunks to prove it. But the gap between them was too large for him to overcome so he had to unlock his Danshoku style for his best chance at surviving. When Suzuki had him trapped in a Cobra Twist, Dieno used the Lip Lock to break out of it. Then Jun Akiyama showed up to hand Dieno back his regular costume so Dieno was fully himself again. A deep Lip Lock almost had Suzuki down for the count but he kicked out in time and stopped Dieno from hitting a Moonsault. But even he couldn’t fight off the gravity pulling power of the Danshoku Driver. When Dieno had the move all set up he chose to do it Gotch-Style but Suzuki struggled his way out of it and Headbutted Dieno to stop him from doing another Lip Lock. Suzuki then applied his Sleeper Hold to weaken Dieno enough for the Gotch-Style Piledriver, ending the match with Suzuki retaining the Universal Title.

After the match Suzuki said Dieno was messing around a little bit but he accepts Dieno’s Strong Style. He explained pro wrestling is not just about grabbing holds, stretching limbs and punching each other. Suzuki won today but he wanted Dieno to know one more thing. He would like to do a match with him again. Shinya Aoki then walked down to the ring as Dieno was making his exit. The two hugged and high fived each other as they crossed paths. Aoki then got into the ring and said he cannot let Suzuki look this strong forever. He wants to be his next challenger! Suzuki wants an opponent just like Aoki but isn’t sure if it will be treated like a joke. Hisaya Imabayashi understands Suzuki is suspicious after taking on such difficult challengers like Yoshihiko and Dieno so far in his reign but this is the real deal Shinya Aoki stepping up to him next! Suzuki accepted the challenge and the title match will take place on the 13th July Korakuen Hall show.

Maybe Aoki was in a relaxed mood today by teaming up with members of The 37KAMIINA? He joined forces with Shunma Katsumata & To-y to face the heavyweight trio of Akiyama, Yukio Naya & Daichi Sato. To-y took a beating outside the ring thanks to Akiyama and Naya Body Slamming him onto the floor. The heavyweights looked to have the match in control until Sato got in the ring with Aoki. The rookie was smothered Aoki’s skills on the mat and was easily pinned with a Modified Crucifix Hold that came from an Aoki Clutch attempt that didn’t go right.

A 4 Way Tag Match ended up sorting out who the next challengers for the KO-D Tag Team Titles are going to be. The match was a free for all with Yuni & Kazuma Sumi using their NωA Jr. music to power themselves up. It was interrupted by Toru Owashi & Yuki Ishida doing a Dosukoi pose to the beat of sumo drums. HARASHIMA & Kazuki Hirata danced while wearing the Hirata GO! glasses but that caused HARASHIMA to take Hirata style pratfalls. The only team that were fully on the same page was Akito & Yuya Koroku. Their teamwork outclassed everyone else’s and the finish was set up from Akito giving Sumi an Ankle Lock. While the hold was locked in, Koroku kicked Sumi’s arm and then applied the Triangle Lancer to the damaged limb to make Sumi give up.

Backstage Koroku asked Akito where are the KO-D Tag Titles currently? Akito answered they are being defended by Astronauts in other promotions. Koroku finds it weird that nobody in DDT has said anything about this and he wants to bring the belts back. Akito agreed and is happy to keep teaming with Koroku so they get the tag titles back to DDT. They want the message sent out to Astronauts. Akito & Koroku are coming after them!

The latest battle between SCHADENFREUDE International and DAMNATION T.A saw Bunbun getting thrown around like a toy. When Daisuke Sasaki cut off the rubber band spot he tied the band around Bunbun, spun him around in the air and threw him into the crowd. DAMNATION T.A then worked over Antonio Honda until Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada made the comeback. Honda returned to attack his opponents with Gongitsune but he was soon flattened by a Double Body Press from MJ Paul & Ilusion. Honda dodged Ilusion’s Swanton Bomb though and rolled him up in the Japanese Leg Roll Clutch to escape with the victory.

A video played during the show announcing the return of “THE MONSTER” Haruto Sakuraba to DDT! The muscular stage actor had his debut wrestling match last October and is still a member of DAMNATION T.A. While he’s been away he heard about them recently kicking out a pathetic guy from the group. He isn’t impressed to hear what KANON has been up to since then, making stupid heart signs with his hands. Sakuraba is coming back to DDT on 13th July to crush KANON’s heart so hard that he’ll never be able to get back up again!


DDT “KING OF DDT 2025 2ND ROUND” Results

May 10, 2025

DDT “KING OF DDT 2025 2ND ROUND”, 10/05/2025
Shinjuku FACE
??? Fans – Unannounced

1. MJ Paul & Ilusion defeated Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi when Paul pinned Sumi after a Combined Body Press (5:14).
2. Danshoku Dieno, Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata defeated Shunma Katsumata, Soma Takao & To-y by Referee Stoppage when Dieno used the Strong Arm Lock on Takao (11:04).
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Jun Akiyama, Shinya Aoki & Daichi Sato defeated Chris Brookes, Akito & Antonio Honda when Aoki pinned Honda with a Ground Cobra Twist Reversal (9:47).
4. King Of DDT 2025 – Round 2: Kazusada Higuchi defeated Takeshi Masada with a Short Range Lariat (8:12).
5. King Of DDT 2025 – Round 2: Hideki Okatani defeated HARASHIMA with the Vertical Drop Brainbuster (12:25).
6. King Of DDT 2025 – Round 2: KANON defeated Yukio Naya with the LONELY DEZIRES (12:41).
7. King Of DDT 2025 – Round 2: Yuki Ueno defeated Daisuke Sasaki with a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch (21:22).

The final rounds of this year’s King Of DDT are next on the horizon with only four wrestlers left in the running. Yuki Ueno is in the clear after advancing past one of his most troublesome opponents Daisuke Sasaki. It was a match where Sasaki fought pretty cleanly for the most part, possibly proving Ueno’s theory that he’s been having more fun with wrestling lately. There were some dirty tactics here and there but it wasn’t as overwhelming as you would expect from DAMNATION T.A. The match instead came down to a battle of technique with Ueno winning out in the end. He countered La Mistica Crossface Lock into a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch to get the pinfall victory. Ueno said if he can win two more matches to become the tournament champion then he will be one step closer to the future he wants. He also said if Sasaki is going to shave his own head for losing like he promised then he will let him but that doesn’t mean Sasaki can join The 37KAMIINA. However according to Sasaki, after the match Ueno whispered in his ear that he doesn’t need to cut his hair off because Ueno felt sorry for him. Sure he said that, Sasaki.

The “Yukio Naya Killer” continues his streak. KANON once again defeated Naya in a singles match, this time pinning him with his Modified Facebuster that is now called the LONELY DEZIRES. He resorted to using the move after hitting Naya with several Dropkicks that wouldn’t keep the big guy down. KANON bowed to Naya after the match but Naya couldn’t help but pound the mat in frustration. KANON said backstage that the result is a reminder that he can be part of DDT’s heavyweight division too.

If the course was set for HARASHIMA to pull off a heroic charge through the brackets, Hideki Okatani and DAMNATION T.A killed off any chance of that happening. Okatani attacked HARASHIMA before the bell and stomped him down in the corner so he wouldn’t make an instant comeback like in Round 1. MJ Paul and Ilusion also interfered, including a moment where the two of them landed a Combined Body Press onto HARASHIMA. Despite fighting them off and having some energy left for his opponent, HARASHIMA soon fell to Okatani’s cheating. When he went for the Somato, Okatani hit him with his bamboo stick. The pin only got a two count so Okatani then finished him off with the Vertical Drop Brainbuster.

The one in the tournament who looks most unstoppable at the moment is Kazusada Higuchi. He had a Chop Vs Kick battle with Takeshi Masada with both trying to withstand the punishment as much as they could. When they both reached the brink they charged in for one last blow. Masada got the first hit in with a Middle Kick but Higuchi was still standing and he hit back with a Short Range Lariat. Masada was knocked down from that and couldn’t kick out of the pin.

A lottery took place at the end of the show to pair off the semi finalists. When the balls were all chosen we all learned the matches on 25th May will be Ueno Vs Higuchi and KANON Vs Okatani. Backstage Ueno said everyone in DDT knows how amazing Higuchi is but DDT needs more than that to move forward so Ueno can’t just leave it to him. Higuchi said Ueno is filled with a lot of thoughts lately. He though will just focus on what’s in front of him next. KANON said he is ready to kill Okatani but then remembered he is filled with love now so he corrected himself to say he knock Okatani from Heaven down to Hell. Okatani said he will decided whether KANON can laugh or not. He will make sure KANON will never be able to laugh again!

After seeing the success Strange Love Connection is getting from having an MC as part of the act, SCHADENFREUDE International decided they should add something new to their group too. Antonio Honda brought out a puppet from Thailand named Bunbun. He got to take part in SCHADENFREUDE’s usual spots so it’s already as if he’s been part of the group the whole time.

Everyone in Danshoku Dieno’s match wanted to give him their support for the DDT Universal Title shot. But when Dieno tried to wrestle the match Strong Style Kazuki Hirata and Toru Owashi told him he can never beat Minoru Suzuki that way. So they all started encouraging him to be Danshoku again and even eagerly made themselves victims to Dieno’s Hell Gate, even the opponents Shunma Katsumata, Soma Takao & To-y. However things went in a bad directions when Takao ran face first into Dieno’s backside. Dieno all of a sudden felt a movement in his stomach and blew wind, knocking out Takao with the smell. Dieno didn’t want to win the match that way so he half heartedly applied the Strong Arm Lock and Yukinori Matsui agreed to call a TKO so the match could end in a slightly more respectable manner.

A contract signing was held during the show for the 25th May Universal Title match between Suzuki and Dieno. The challenger talked about spending the last month abandoning his Danshoku style to become someone who is prepared not just to fight Suzuki but beat him too. The Universal Title is the only DDT belt that Dieno has not won yet so it has sentimental value to him. It is also a chance for him to bring a championship back into DDT after an outsider took it away. He believes the Danshoku Dieno he is now is the version Suzuki wants to fight. He was then questioned by Suzuki who wanted to know why is it that Dieno does pro wrestling? He wanted Dieno to look him in the eyes when he asks if he can do this match? The two had a staredown and Dieno reminded Suzuki he once said it’s not about whether or not you can do it. You just do it. Suzuki believed him and simply told Dieno not to regret this decision.