DDT “TETSUYA ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH! DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SHIROISHI”, 14/09/2024 Miyagi Shiroishi White Cube
1. Chris Brookes, Takeshi Masada & Ilusion Vs Yukio Naya, Akito & To-y
2. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & Kazuma Sumi
3. Yuki Iino Vs Yuki Ishida
4. Jun Akiyama Vs Yuya Koroku
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match: MAO, Gorgeous Matsuno & Keigo Nakamura Vs HARASHIMA, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata
6. Shiroishi Specialty Special Single Match: Tetsuya Endo Vs Makoto Oishi
The main event has more going on for it after yesterday’s show. Makoto Oishi lost to Shinya Aoki while Tetsuya Endo watched from a distance. Oishi hopes learned at least something from it that he can use in this weekend’s KO-D Openweight Title match with Aoki. A few days later Endo and Oishi will face each other for Endo’s homecoming match. It’s a match that already means a lot to both of them and it could mean a little more if Endo goes into it as the new KO-D Champion.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “ARISU ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH 2024”, 14/09/2024 Fukushima Aizuwakamatsu City Tsurugajo Gymnasium
1. 3 Way Match: Pom Harajuku Vs Shino Suzuki Vs Chika Nanase
2. Toga Vs Uta Takami
3. Yuki Aino & Kira Summer Vs Yoshiko Hasegawa & Runa Okubo
4. Moka Miyamoto Vs Wakana Uehara
5. Miu Watanabe & HIMAWARI Vs Mizuki & Haru Kazashiro
6. Aja Kong & Raku Vs Rika Tatsumi & Mahiro Kiryu
7. Arisu Endo & Suzume Vs Miyu Yamashita & Kaya Toribami
We’ll find out this weekend if Arisu Endo will make it to Aizuwakamatsu City as a double champion. Even if she doesn’t it will still be Daisy Monkey in the main event facing Miyu Yamashita in a non-title preview for “WRESTLE PRINCESS V”. Yamashita will be without Maki Itoh because Itoh will be back in America for GCW by that point. Kaya Toribami is going to be Yamashita’s partner instead.
Nice to see Aja Kong and Raku be put together as a team again.
Also missing the show due to overseas obligations are Shoko Nakajima and Yuki Kamifuku. Nakajima will be in America that weekend on a Deadlock Pro show while Kamifuku is busy defending the Queen Of Asia Title in China for Middle Kingdom Wrestling.
DDT “DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SAPPORO – DAY 1”, 15/09/2024 Hokkaido Sapporo Sun Plaza
1. Kazuki Hirata Vs Kazuma Sumi
2. Yukio Naya Vs Yuya Koroku
3. Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino Vs Noriyuki Yoshida & Yuki Ishida
4. Jun Akiyama, Tomoya & Danshoku Dieno Vs Chris Brookes, Akito & Ilusion
5. Special Single Match: Takeshi Masada Vs Makoro Oishi
6. Special Tag Match: Shinya Aoki & HARASHIMA Vs MAO & Keigo Nakamura
7. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul (c) Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y
For some reason DDT is still advertising Match #6 as a 6-Man Tag even though it only has four people written down on the lineup, two versus two. It has to be a typo.
DDT “DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SAPPORO – DAY 2”, 16/09/2024 Hokkaido Sapporo Sun Plaza
1. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON Vs Yuki Ishida & Ilusion
2. Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino & Makoto Oishi Vs Tomoya, Akito & Kazuki Hirata
3. Special Tag Match: Jun Akiyama & Noriyuki Yoshida Vs Yuki Ueno & Keigo Nakamura
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: MAO, Shunma Katsumata & To-y Vs HARASHIMA, Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi
5. Special Single Match: Shinya Aoki Vs Yuya Koroku
6. Special Single Match: Chris Brookes Vs Danshoku Dieno
One of Noriyuki Yoshida’s matches for DDT’s weekend in Sapporo has him teaming with Jun Akiyama again. It’s pretty much an annual tradition at this point given the old NOAH connection between the two.
Some of the undercard matches have been changed around. The trio of Tomoya, Akito & Kazuki Hirata are no longer facing DAMNATION T.A. Their new opponents are Endo, Yuki Iino & Oishi. The DAMNATION T.A change is because MJ Paul is no longer on the card. He was pulled from yesterday’s meet and greet after suffering food poisoning. Apparently he’s been eating too much raw meat from the wild animals he hunts down.
The end of the summer turned out to not go as planned for a few people. Maki Itoh suffered a hand injury that cut short her latest GCW tour. Yuna Manase had some travel problems get in the way of her first time visit to America but at least her story ended happily for her. She ended up winning a championship over there! Things went smoother for Tokyo Joshi Pro as their co-promoted show with EVE in England was a big success. The EVE promoters have their own stories to tell about searching for venues, dealing with the ticket operators and having last minute changes with their production team but once the show began it could not have gone any better in the venue s far as I could tell. Miyu Yamashita also had time to wrestle in a few other places before she heads back to Japan.
The end of the month also had Konosuke Takeshita return to AEW. After his performance in the G1 Climax reminded everyone of his talents (not that we should need any reminding), there is understandably a lack of enthusiasm online to see him go back to AEW where his main role is to stand behind Don Callis’ shoulder week after week. That his first match back happened on Rampage doesn’t do much to quell those worries. With that said though it was a cracking match anyway. If the second Continental Classic happens this year we’re probably still over a month or to away from it.
Heading into September we’re going to see Itoh go back to America. It does not sound like she’s at 100% but she isn’t going to say no to making some more money over there if she’s in any way able to. Some TJPW wrestlers will be spreading their wings around Asia with championships there for the taking. There is a new company opening up in Canada that Takeshita and Yamashita will appear in. Wrestling fans in general might do well to pay attention to that place in regards to whether or not it will effect TNA in the long run given who has been associated with it so far. But if you don’t care about that and want to keep talk to just DDT and TJPW, there is the road to Seattle coming up. We’ll be there before you know it!
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 28/08/2024 (Aired 30/08/2024) State Farm Arena, Champaign, Illinois, USA
1. 4 Way Match: Konosuke Takeshita Vs The Beast Mortos Vs Komander Vs Lio Rush
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Results
GCW “NOW AND FOREVER”, 02/08/2024 TempleLive Cleveland Masonic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
1. GCW Extreme Title: Maki Itoh (c) defeated John Wayne Murdoch with a School Boy (5:51). *V2 for Maki Itoh.
Itoh’s first GCW appearance of her tour was against one of the promotion’s death match specialists John Wayne Murdoch. It was also made into a GCW Extreme Title defence. Murdoch got under Itoh’s skin early when he grabbed a “Respect Maki Itoh Or Die” sign and stomped on it in the ring. He then tried to win her over by allowing Itoh to sing for the fans but that was only so he could attack her from behind. Murdhoch brought in a steel chair and tried to Suplex Itoh onto it. Itoh avoided the move and gave Murdoch a Stunner, making him land back and head first into the chair. She then rolled him up with a School Boy to win the match and retain the Extreme Title.
GCW “CAN I TRUST YOU?”, 04/08/2024 House Of Independents, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
1. GCW Extreme Title: Maki Itoh (c) defeated Allie Katch with a Mouse Trap (8:32). *V3 for Maki Itoh.
Later in the weekend Itoh had another Extreme Title defence, this time against Allie Katch. The two get along and have teamed together in the past so their match was all trying to outdo each other. Itoh tried to trick Katch with crocodile tears so Katch decided to lie down and let Itoh do a Kokeshi Headbutt. Except Katch got back up and cut her off to take control of the match. Itoh fired up when her head hit the turnbuckle and she hit a Draping DDT onto the ring apron. The fight came down to duelling strikes and then Itoh trying several different pinning combinations. She finally got the three count on Katch by giving her the Mouse Trap cradle.
SPW “HARDCORE ISLAND 2: A FINE CITY”, 16/08/2024 Foo Chow Building, Singapore
1. 3 Way Match: Alexis Lee defeated Miyu Yamashita and Kaya Toribami when Lee pinned Toribami after the Skull Kick from Yamashita (?:??).
Over in Singapore both Yamashita and Kaya Toribami were flying the flag for TJPW in a 3 Way Match against Alexis Lee. It was every woman for herself and Lee took advantage of that. Yamashita knocked down Toribami with the Skull Kick only for Lee to steal the pin.
KITSUNE “YABAI!”, 18/08/2024 1110 Bates Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Kitsune World Title: Yuna Manase defeated Megan Bayne and J-Rod when Manase pinned J-Rod with a Lariat (10:11). *Yuna Manase becomes the 2nd Kitsune World Champion!
It was a long journey for Manase to get to America (more details at the end of the report) but she finally got there and ended up winning a championship! Due to circumstances with her visa, Sayaka Unagi couldn’t make the show and had to vacate the Kitsune World Title. It was now up for grabs in the 3 Way Match that Manase was booked in against J-Rod and Megan Bayne. At one point Manase and Bayne worked together and gave J-Rod the Doomsday Device. Bayne was then taken out of play by J-Rod’s Spear. J-Rod went for the same move on Manase but missed and hit the corner. Manase knocked her down with the Lariat and got the three count to win the title! She celebrated by getting the fans to shout “We are Ganbare!” along with her.
EVE/TOKYO JOSHI PRO “EVE X TJPW: JAPAN & UK WRESTLING UNITE!”, 24/08/2024 Conway Hall, London, England ??? Fans – Unannounced
0. Triple Threat Match: Skye Smitson defeated Anita Vaughan and Kasey when Smitson pinned Vaughan with the Smitson Effect (7:49)
1. Mahiro Kiryu defeated HIMAWARI with the Spinebuster (11:15).
2. Alex Windsor defeated Lena Kross with a Sharpshooter (11:46).
3. Raku defeated Session Moth Martina with the Hurricane Turn (6:18).
4. Zizi & Safire Reed Vs Aja Kong & Max The Impaler defeated Zizi & Safire Reed when Kong pinned Reed with the 2nd Rope Diving Elbow Drop (11:06).
5. EVE Title: Nina Samuels (c) defeated Miyu Yamashita with the Starstruck (19:39). *V5 for Nina Samuels.
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 28/08/2024 (Aired 30/08/2024) State Farm Arena, Champaign, Illinois, USA
1. 4 Way Match: Konosuke Takeshita defeated The Beast Mortos, Komander (w/ Alex Abrahantes) and Lio Rush when Takeshita pinned Komander with the Raging Fire (13:53).
Takeshita’s first appearance in AEW since returning from the G1 was for a wild 4 Way Match against The Beast Mortos, Komander and Lio Rush. He was back to using his actual AEW theme and Callis kept himself to the commentary table. The match was wild as you had the power and speed of Takeshita and Mortos along with the speed and agility of Komander and Rush all mixing up together. Mortos soon wiped out Rush with a Spear and broke Komander over his knee. Takeshita then hit Mortos with the Powerdrive Knee to get rid of him. Komander tried to roll up Takeshita but got a nearfall. Takeshita spun him into the Blue Thunder Bomb and used the Raging Fire to get the win.
MLW “SUMMER OF THE BEASTS”, 29/08/2024 Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA
1. Delmi Exo defeated Miyu Yamashita with the Delmi Driver (6:15).
In an MLW rematch from last December, Delmi Exo got her win back from Yamashita. By winning the match Exo declared herself the No. 1 contender for the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Title.
GCW “LIVE FAST DIE YOUNG”, 31/08/2024 Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1. Megan Bayne defeated Miyu Yamashita by Disqualification when Broski Jimmy attacked Bayne with a Chair (15:38).
The rematch between Yamashita and Bayne from DREAMWAVE earlier this year took place in GCW but was ruined by outside interference. Bayne gave Yamashita a Choke Slam and was about to use the Tombstone Piledriver when Broski Jimmy ran into the ring with a chair and hit Bayne with it. Yamashita stopped the attack and gave Jimmy the Skull Kick. Bayne got her hands on him too with a Choke Slam and Yamashita followed up by hitting Jimmy over the head with the chair! Bayne then finished him off with the Tombstone. After that was done the two women had a stare down before deciding to shake each other’s hands.
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Upcoming Appearances
F1RST “SATURDAY NIGHT NITRO”, 07/09/2024 Mall Of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
1. Allie Katch & Effy Vs Danhausen & Maki Itoh
The second half of Itoh’s American tour is going ahead despite her injury. One of her next matches will be to team with Danhausen to take on Bussy. That does not sound like the most physically demanding of matchups so even if her hand is not at 100% she’ll be find going out there. The F1RST show is also noteworthy because it is their annual visit to the Mall Of America were the first episode of WCW Nitro was famously taped. This is the third year in a row F1RST are running a show there.
MKW “CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERCARD FROM SHANGHAI”, 14/09/2024 Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, Shanghai, China
1. Queen Of Asia Title: Yuki Kamifuku (c) Vs Crystal
The next Queen Of Asia Title defence is taking place in China next month. Crystal believes Yuki Kamifuku is not ready to take on an opponent with her kind of wrath, tenacity and power.
GCW “BAD ONE”, 14/09/2024 Harpos Concert Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Kylie Rae
Even after Itoh pulled out of her August dates, GCW continued to promote her September appearances so they already knew how long her recovery would take. Her match with Kyle Rae that was meant to happen on 31st August will now take place on 14th September.
GCW “THA G-CODE”, 15/09/2024 Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, New York, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
This will be the weekend before “WRESTLE PRINCESS V” back in Japan so she will at least get some ring rust off her before heading back to TJPW.
DPW “CAROLINA CLASSIC”, 15/09/2024 Durham Convention Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
1. Battle Of The Best – Round 2: Shoko Nakajima Vs Trish Adora
Another visit to Deadlock Pro for Shoko Nakajima as she continues the inaugural Battle Of The Best tournament. She faces Trish Adora in Round 2 and the winner advances to the final scheduled for 13th October.
SETUP “CHAOPHRAYA VOYAGE: 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THAI WRESTLING”, 28/09/2024 The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand
1. SETUP All Asia Women’s Title – 3 Way Match: Matcha (c) Vs Raku Vs Pom Harajuku
Fresh back from visiting England, Raku is going to travel again this time to Thailand and with Pom Harajuku following her. The travel buddies will be opponents though as they both take on Matcha for the SETUP All Asia Women’s Title in a 3 Way free for all.
MAPLE LEAF PRO “FORGED IN EXCELLENCE – NIGHT 1”, 19/10/2024 St. Clair College, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1. Miyu Yamashita Vs X
2. Josh Alexander Vs Konosuke Takeshita?
Some interesting news coming out of the Canadian scene. Scott D’Amore was fired as president of TNA back in February and in the meantime went about establishing a new venture called Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. Takeshita will be there for the debut weekend of shows. The first match announced for the weekend is Takeshita against Josh Alexander in a rematch of their 20 minute draw from Garden State Pro Wrestling back in July 2022. Maple Leaf Pro haven’t made clear yet if the match is happening on Night 1 or Night 2.
MAPLE LEAF PRO “FORGED IN EXCELLENCE – NIGHT 2”, 20/10/2024 St. Clair College, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1. Miyu Yamashita Vs X
2. Josh Alexander Vs Konosuke Takeshita?
Yamashita will also be booked for both shows that weekend.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO/DEFY “BRIGHT EYES”, 09/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
The twelve wrestlers from TJPW making the trip are Miu Watanabe, Suzume, Arisu Endo, Yuki Kamifuku, Miyu Yamashita, Shoko Nakajima, Rika Tatsumi, Mizuki, Maki Itoh, Yuki Aino, Moka Miyamoto and Wakana Uehara. There will be around 6-8 local or American wrestlers also on the card for a total of 6 or 7 matches.
DDT/DEFY “DDT IN UTERO”, 09/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
Takeshita is the first DDT wrestler announced to be on the show.
DDT/TOKYO JOSHI PRO/DEFY “TRIANGLER DTD”, 10/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
Both Takeshita and the dozen TJPW wrestlers will also be at the weekend finale.
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Cancelled Appearances
KITSUNE “LOVE MY SHOW!”, 17/08/2024 Brick X Brick, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Aspyn Rose & Yuna Manase Vs Aria Perkins & Delmi Exo
As mentioned above Manase had a hell of an ordeal to go through just to make it to America. Travel from Japan was heavily effected by an incoming typhoon that week and her flight was delayed by many hours. So her first match for Kitsune the day before her title match had to be changed into something without her. Then when she finally made it to America it still took a few more hours to get through immigration customs.
GCW “NO SIGNAL IN THE HILLS PT. 4”, 17/08/2024 Ukrainian Culture Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Nick Gage & Maki Itoh Vs Mance Warner & Broski Jimmy
Itoh’s injury cancelled not one but two matches against Mance Warner this month. She would have faced him for the GCW World Title in Japan and then a tag match in America a few days later.
GCW “SAVE ME”, 18/08/2024 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
No appearance at Salt Lake City for Itoh either.
GCW “HOMECOMING – NIGHT 1”, 24/08/2024 The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Kerry Morton
I think Kerry Morton lost his booking because he didn’t wrestle on the show from what I could find.
GCW “HOMECOMING – NIGHT 2”, 25/08/2024 The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
Itoh probably missed out on a few extra Extreme Title defences because of her injury. She is still the champion as far as I’m aware.
GCW “LIVE FAST DIE YOUNG”, 31/08/2024 Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Kylie Rae
Kylie Rae ended up facing Brooke Havok instead.
INSPIRE A.D. “MAY THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN”, 01/09/2024 Empire Control Room, Austin, Texas, USA
DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2024 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 2”, 30/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE
1. Toru Owashi & Yuki Ishida Vs Yuni & Keigo Nakamura
2. Rock ‘N’ Roll 4 Way Death Match: Akito Vs A.YAZAWA Vs To-y Vs Kazuma Sumi
3. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Toru Owashi, Keigo Nakamura & Yuya Koroku
4. The Long Awaited New Series By Hisaya Imabayashi! Kaidan Shin Numabukuro Deathmatch 2: Shunma Katsumata Vs Jun Akiyama Vs Danshoku Dieno Vs Makoto Oishi
5. Special Single Match: Chris Brookes Vs Ilusion
6. Beer Garden Specialty Customer Lottery 8-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, MAO, HARASHIMA, Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino, Kazuki Hirata, Yukio Naya, Takeshi Masada
Antonio Honda is unable to be at tomorrow’s show. Luckily a replacement has already been found. A.YAZAWA takes his place which is convenient because the Rock ‘N’ Roll 4 Way Death Match just so happens to be YAZAWA’s signature match.
The Right To Challenge Shield holders going into the show are Masahiro Takanashi (Blue), KANON (Black), Keigo Nakamura (Light Blue) and Shunma Katsumata (White).
DDT “WEDDING VENUE PRO WRESTLING SUMMER FESTIVAL IN SENTIR LA SAISON GIFU”, 31/08/2024 Gifu Sentir la Saison
1. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON Vs Soma Takao & Ilusion
2. 3 Way Match: Kazuki Hirata Vs Yuki Iino Vs To-y
3. Jun Akiyama & Yukio Naya Vs Tetsuya Endo & Keigo Nakamura
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, MAO & Shunma Katsumata Vs Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi
Due to a typhoon approaching Japan this weekend DDT have postponed this show. The rescheduled date will be announced soon.
DDT “WEDDING ROJO PRO WRESTLING”, 31/08/2024 Gifu Sentir la Saison
DDT has also postponed the wedding pro wrestling match that was due to take place afterwards. It will be rescheduled along with the above show.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “ALWAYS BE A CHALLENGER ’24”, 08/09/2024 Nagoya International Conference Center Event Hall
1. 3 Way Match: Raku Vs Mahiro Kiryu Vs HIMAWARI
2. Toga Vs Kira Summer
3. Rika Tatsumi & Yuki Aino Vs Moka Miyamoto & Kaya Toribami
4. Yuki Kamifuku & Pom Harajuku Vs Wakana Uehara & Chika Nanase
5. Miyu Yamashita, Runa Okubo & Haru Kazashiro Vs Mizuki, Shino Suzuki & Uta Takami
6. Miu Watanabe & Suzume Vs Shoko Nakajima & Yoshiko Hasegawa
7. International Princess Title: Yuki Arai (c) Vs Arisu Endo
Yoshiko Hasegawa starts out her residency with Tokyo Joshi Pro by teaming with the woman she lost against last weekend. Will things turn out better for her by teaming with Shoko Nakajima instead of fighting her?
Most of the women who went to England are back in Japan. Miyu Yamashita is heading over to America this weekend first for a few more international matches. When she returns she will team with the two teenagers Runa Okubo & Haru Kazashiro.
The other three coming back from England are being thrown together into a 3 Way Match against each other. Raku, Mahiro Kiryu and HIMAWARI will show the fans what they learned from their visit to London.
DDT “NO SPOILERS X BEER GARDEN PRO WRESTLING IN UENO”, 10/09/2024 Tokyo Ueno Park Outdoor Stage
1. Makoto Oishi, Yukio Naya & Yuki Ishida (w/ Furitsuke Kamen) Vs Masahiro Takanashi, Akito & Ilusion
2. Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino & Yuki Ishida Vs Poison Sawada JULIE, Yuni & Kazuma Sumi
3. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Pero Pero Master, Toru Owashi From 20 Years Ago & Kazuki Hirata
4. Special Single Match: Takeshi Masada Vs Yoshihiko
5. Special 4 Way Match: Someone Who Looks Like MAO Vs Someone Who Looks Like Chris Brookes Vs Someone Who Looks Like HARASHIMA Vs Someone Who Looks Like Keigo Nakamura
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ The 37KAMIINA Vs Shin The 37KAMIINA: Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y Vs Sauna Oyakata, Keizo Matsuda & Takayuki Ueki
The No Spoiler show is filling up with more wacky ideas with the expectation that nobody going to see the show will spoil it online. A group of wrestlers are claiming to be the new version of The 37KAMIINA and are challenging the originals to a match to prove they are superior. Keizo Matsuda & Takayuki Ueki are familiar enough but Sauna Master is going to be Danshoku Dieno doing some sort of, well, sauna master gimmick.
Pero Pero Master is, or at least in previous apperances was Antonio Honda doing a Hulk Hogan gimmick. Toru Owashi is also going to time travel back to being 20 years younger somehow.
Also on the card are appearances by Poison Sawada JULIE and Furitsuke Kamen.
BASARA “TSUKAMOTO & NAKATSU ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL!”, 11/09/2024 Shinjuku FACE
1. Fuminori Abe Vs Judomaster
2. Isami Kodaka & Ryuichi Sekine Vs FUMA & Takeru Inoue
3. 4 Way Tag Match: KUBITO & Daichi Kazato Vs SAGAT & Lil’ Kraken Vs Gouma Ryu & Yasu Urano Vs Tsutomu Oosugi & Banana Senga
4. UWA World Tag Team Titles: Kota Sekifuda & Kaji Tomato (c) Vs Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino
5. Hardcore Match: Takumi Tsukamoto Vs Yusaku Ito
6. Ryota Nakatsu Vs Naoki Tanizaki
Earlier this month Aijin Tag challenged Kota Sekifuda & Kaji Tomato for the UWA World Tag Team Titles but had to wait in line because the champions already had a title defence lined up. That was done and dusted at a Big Japan show this week so Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino are now next in line to get a title shot.
DDT “TETSUYA ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH! DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SHIROISHI”, 14/09/2024 Miyagi Shiroishi White Cube
1. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & Kazuma Sumi
2. Jun Akiyama Vs Yuya Koroku
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match: MAO, Gorgeous Matsuno & Keigo Nakamura Vs HARASHIMA, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata
4. Shiroishi Specialty Special Single Match: Tetsuya Endo Vs Makoto Oishi
The special homecoming match for Tetsuya Endo will give him a chance to say goodbye to Makoto Oishi in his own personal way.
Gorgeous Matsuno returns so he can form a trio of Tohoku wrestlers with MAO & Keigo Nakamura.
DDT “DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SAPPORO – DAY 1”, 15/09/2024 Hokkaido Sapporo Sun Plaza
1. Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino Vs Noriyuki Yoshida & Yuki Ishida
2. Special Single Match: Takeshi Masada Vs Makoro Oishi
3. Special Tag Match: Shinya Aoki & HARASHIMA Vs MAO & Keigo Nakamura
4. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul (c) Vs Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y
Both Tomoya and Noriyuki Yoshida will be on next month’s Sapporo weekend shows. The odd thing is Yoshida’s match is already announced for Day 1 but not Tomoya’s…
DDT “DRAMATIC INFINITY 2024 TOUR IN SAPPORO – DAY 2”, 16/09/2024 Hokkaido Sapporo Sun Plaza
1. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Tomoya, Akito & Kazuki Hirata
2. Special 6-Man Tag Match: MAO, Shunma Katsumata & To-y Vs HARASHIMA, Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi
3. Special Single Match: Shinya Aoki Vs Yuya Koroku
4. Special Single Match: Chris Brookes Vs Danshoku Dieno
… while Tomoya’s match for Day 2 is already booked but not Yoshida’s.
DDT “REMBRANDT LARIAT SERIES 2024 COMEBACK ~BATTLE OF THE CORAL~”, 23/09/2024 Rembrandt Hotel Tokyo Machida Coral Room
1. Special Single Match: Antonio Honda Vs Kazuki Hirata
2. Special Tag Match: Yuki Ueno & MAO Vs HARASHIMA & Danshoku Dieno
3. Special Single Match: Shunma Katsumata Vs Makoto Oishi
Oishi’s set of goodbye matches continues with a bout against Shunma Katsumata. The two have had a teacher and student kind of relationship over the years.
EVE/TOKYO JOSHI PRO “EVE X TJPW: JAPAN & UK WRESTLING UNITE!”, 24/08/2024 Conway Hall, London, England ??? Fans – Unannounced
0. Triple Threat Match: Skye Smitson defeated Anita Vaughan and Kasey when Smitson pinned Vaughan with the Smitson Effect (7:49)
1. Mahiro Kiryu defeated HIMAWARI with the Spinebuster (11:15).
2. Alex Windsor defeated Lena Kross with a Sharpshooter (11:46).
3. Raku defeated Session Moth Martina with the Hurricane Turn (6:18).
4. Aja Kong & Max The Impaler defeated Zizi & Safire Reed when Kong pinned Reed with the 2nd Rope Diving Elbow Drop (11:06).
5. EVE Title: Nina Samuels (c) defeated Miyu Yamashita with the Starstruck (19:39). *V5 for Nina Samuels.
Through her time wrestling for EVE in England over the last couple of years, Miyu Yamashita eventually came up with a dream. Her goal was to have EVE and Tokyo Joshi Pro work together for a show in England. Today that dream was became a reality as she along with a minor collective of TJPW talent arrived in London to put on a special show with the EVE roster.
Yamashita was in the main event getting a chance to become a two time EVE Champion. Her opponent Nina Samuels spent part of the match trying to talk down to her but Yamashita eventually reminded her she cannot speak English. A lot of the match had Yamashita on offence but Samuels was able to cut throat her into the ropes to cut off her momentum. There was no Skull Kick and the only attempt at the Crash Rabbit Heat was stopped before it ever got going. Instead Samuels was able to use her version of the Go To Sleep called the Starstruck to win the match and remain champion. The result did not dampen Yamashita’s mood though. She told the fans TJPW would like to come back to England again. She also made a post-show comment about coming back to EVE to try and win back the title some day.
While not necessarily representing TJPW on the show, one of the big draws for the event was Aja Kong & Max The Impaler teaming together again for the first time since “GRAND PRINCESS ’24” back in March. The team who were given the unenviable task of trying to beat them were Zizi & Safire Reed. The two tried their best but reached the point where they had enough of the beatings and tried to flee. Skye Smitson blocked them off from the exit allowing Max to bring Reed back into the ring for Kong to finish her off with the Back Drop and Diving Elbow Drop.
In a rematch from “GCW VS TJPW” back in April Raku and Session Moth Martina clashed against each other for a second time in a match filled with many literal rest holds. Raku was armed with a pillow while Martina already tired herself out by partying too much during her entrance. Also Raku started singing lullabies at her. Martina did get a little bit of alcohol into Raku though which made her get drowsy. With the fans encouraged to be quiet, Martina tried to pin Raku without waking her up but failed. Raku was able to get Martina with the Smile Train and Sling Blade before pinning her with the Hurricane Turn. The record between them now stands at one win a piece. After the match Kasey talked to Martina about the two of them now being considered among the longest serving veterans of EVE. She encouraged Martina to start thinking it’s time for a change if they have any chance of taking on the younger wrestlers. Backstage Raku said she would love to invite Martina to Japan.
The all EVE match of the show still had a TJPW connection to it. Alex Windsor is a former International Princess Champion after all. Australian wrestler Lena Kross proved to be a tough nut to crack but Windsor eventually broke her down enough to make her submit to the Sharpshooter.
The all TJPW match pitted Mahiro Kiryu against HIMAWARI to open up the show proper. Both of their gimmicks were known by the fans in the audience. HIMAWARI responded to everyone calling out her name while Kiryu was told by the fans to apologise for attacking HIMAWARI by the hair. Kiryu did so, demonstrating the dogeza apology before turning it into the Double Knee Drop. Kiryu went on to win with the Spinebuster and feels grateful that the fans know who she is.
A Triple Threat Match was put on in the pre-show where Skye Smitson defeated Anita Vaughan and Kasey. Smitson used her version of the Cross Rhodes to pin Vaughan for the victory.
As part of the show opener, fans were treated to Raku singing one of her songs. She also revealed her train of the day is the Thameslink.
EVE/TOKYO JOSHI PRO “EVE X TJPW: JAPAN & UK WRESTLING UNITE!”, 24/08/2024 Conway Hall, London, England
0. Pre-Show Match: X Vs X
1. HIMAWARI Vs Mahiro Kiryu
2. Alex Windsor Vs Lena Kross
3. Session Moth Martina Vs Raku
4. Zizi & Safire Reed Vs Aja Kong & Max The Impaler
5. EVE Title: Nina Samuels (c) Vs Miyu Yamashita
The card is now complete with the EVE only matches being added. Alex Windsor, who is a former International Princess Champion will be facing Lena Kross. There is also going to be a pre-show match of some sort taking place too.
DDT “MEET & GREET & FIGHT SEPTEMBER”, 04/09/2024 Shinjuku FACE
1. To-y & Kazuma Sumi Vs Keigo Nakamura & Yuya Koroku
2. 3 Way Match: Takeshi Masada Vs Yuni Vs Ilusion
3. Special Single Match: Yuki Iino Vs Kazuki Hirata
Since Makoto Oishi will be a month away from wrapping things up with DDT, there will be a one night only NωA reunion with MAO & Shunma Katsumata. They intend to sing all of their singles for what is going to be their last ever live performance together as an idol unit.
DDT “FRIENDSHIP, EFFORT, VICTORY IN NAGOYA 2024”, 08/09/2024 Nagoya International Conference Center Event Hall
1. Special Single Match: Ryuichi “Fire” Kawakami Vs Yukio Naya
2. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kota Ibushi, Shuji Ishikawa & Danshoku Dieno Vs HARASHIMA, Yasu Urano & Michael Nakazawa
3. DDT Universal Title: MAO (c) Vs Fuminori Abe
MAO is still dealing with the disappointment of how his 10th DDT Universal Title defence ended. He has to move on though because his 11th challenger has been decided for next month. It is going to be Fuminori Abe!
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “WRESTLE PRINCESS V”, 22/09/2024 Chiba Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall
1. Princess Tag Team Titles: Suzume & Arisu Endo (c) Vs Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh
A few weeks ago 121000000 made it known they wanted to get back in the hunt for the Princess Tag Team Titles. Then a few days ago Miyu Yamashita pinned Suzume in a tag match while a helpless Arisu Endo had to watch on. Yamashita put out the challenge to Daisy Monkey for a title shot afterward. The match will happen at “WRESTLE PRINCESS V” over one month away, partly because Maki Itoh needs to recover from her hand injury first.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW SHOKO NAKAJIMA VERSION3 ~NIIGATA HOMECOMING EVENT~”, 18/08/2024 Niigata Dúo CEREZO 222 Fans
1. Arisu Endo defeated Chika Nanase with the Camel Clutch (6:30).
2. Moka Miyamoto defeated Kira Summer with the Rashomon (6:36).
3. Raku & Pom Harajuku defeated Mizuki & Uta Takami when Raku submitted Takami with the Front Neck Lock (9:16).
4. Yuki Kamifuku, Mahiro Kiryu & Kaya Toribami defeated Yuki Aino, Runa Okubo & Haru Kazashiro when Kamifuku pinned Kazashiro with the Famouser (11:42).
5. Zara Zakher, Wakana Uehara & HIMAWARI defeated Rika Tatsumi, Toga & Shino Suzuki when Zakher pinned Suzuki with the Control Z (13:05).
6. Miyu Yamashita & Shoko Nakajima 11th Anniversary Special Tag Match: Shoko Nakajima & Miyu Yamashita defeated Miu Watanabe & Suzume when Yamashita pinned Suzume with the Skull Kick (15:33).
Eleven years of Miyu Yamashita and Shoko Nakajima. Neither of them are stopping yet! Nakajima’s home of Niigata played host to the pair’s anniversary match as they took on two champions Miu Watanabe & Suzume. Yamashita avoided the Ring A Bell and threw away Suzume with a German Suplex. Nakajima took out Watanabe with a dive out of the ring. That left Yamashita to finish off Suzume with a High Kick followed by the Skull Kick. The finish happened right in front of Arisu Endo who was standing in Suzume’s corner at ringside. Because of that result, Yamashita wants a Princess Tag Team Titles shot for herself and Maki Itoh. Both Suzume & Endo accepted the challenge and agreed they cannot lose. It’s going to be Daisy Monkey Vs 121000000 for the tag titles at “WRESTLE PRINCESS V” on 22nd September!
Nakajima said she is happy the anniversary match was able to happen in her home region. These days she can only go home to Niigata for wrestling matches or to celebrate the new year. She still loves where she grew up and her heart always feels at peace there. She and Yamashita promise to continue working hard at promoting pro wrestling around the world and competing with each other to win championships. She warned Daisy Monkey not to underestimate Itoh’s vitality. She may be out of action with a broken hand right now but Nakajima knows better than anyone how determined Itoh is to wrestle and win. Yamashita predicted Nakajima will win the Battle Of The Best tournament in DPW that she is currently competing in.
Mizuki & Uta Takami came up with the idea to pull the shoes off their opponent’s feet, run away into the crowd with them and then throw them away. Pom Harajuku got the shoes back and even tried to attack Mizuki with one of them in hand. Mizuki grabbed the shoe away from her and wanted to use it as a weapon too but then Raku grabbed it off her. Raku then ended up submitting Takami with the Front Neck Lock.
The GCW tour of Japan continued after their joint show with DDT. They ran two more shows this week both taking place in Shinjuku FACE. The shows also had presence from DDT and Tokyo Joshi Pro. The fact that DDT were promoting the cards and posted the results on their website pretty much tells us they had a hand behind the scenes too. I’m just going to focus on the matches relating to both DDT and TJPW in this post.
GCW “THE SKY IS THE LIMIT”, 13/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE 326 Fans
1. Miyu Yamashita defeated Broski Jimmy by TKO with the Skull Kick (7:17).
2. GCW Extreme Title: Maki Itoh (c) defeated The Great Sasuke with a Cast Strike (11:49). *V3 for Maki Itoh.
3. Joey Janella defeated Marcus Mathers with the Package Piledriver (19:37).
4. Effy, Allie Katch & Dark Sheik defeated Aja Kong, Masashi Takeda & MAO when Sheik pinned Kong with the Diving Leg Drop (10:17).
5. Danhausen defeated Kikutaro with a Roll Up (10:43).
6. Rina Yamashita & Masha Slamovich defeated Gringo Loco & Violento Jack when Yamashita pinned Jack after the Super Power Bomb (18:39).
7. GCW World Title: Mance Warner (c) defeated 1 Called Manders with the Impaler DDT (22:47). *V9 for Mance Warner.
MAO was part of a wild trio put together to take on Thrussy. He teamed with both Masashi Takeda and Aja Kong! Thrussy needed some artillery to even the odds so Allie Katch brought out a water pistol. MAO countered that by finding two bananas and using them to point at everyone like they were guns. That plan backfired when Effy grabbed MAO and forced him to point the bananas on himself. Thrussy were able to gang up on Kong and Dark Sheik hit the Diving Leg Drop on her for the victory. It still took all three members of Thrussy to pile on top of Kong to get the pinfall.
Maki Itoh went into her match against The Great Sasuke with a hand injury, adding more danger since it was also a GCW Extreme Title defence. Sasuke wanted it to be a fair fight so he tried using his spiritual abilities to heal Itoh’s injury. He then targeted her injured hand anyway. Itoh got revenge by attacking Sasuke with a pizza cutter and then striking him with her cast after a ref bump. It dazed Sasuke long enough for the referee to recover and count Itoh’s pin on him.
It is well known by now just how deadly Miyu Yamashita’s Skull Kick is. Today she won her match by Referee Stoppage because the move knocked out Broski Jimmy!
GCW “YOU ONLY DIE ONCE”, 14/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE 375 Fans
1. JCW Title: Masha Slamovich (c) defeated Marcus Mathers with the Half Package Piledriver (15:20). *V8 for Masha Slamovich.
2. Allie Katch & Dark Sheik defeated Shoko Nakajima & Kaya Toribami when Sheik pinned Toribami with the Welcome to Die (10:14).
3. Tetsuya Endo defeated Gringo Loco with a Tornado Clutch (14:53).
4. GCW Ultraviolent Title: Rina Yamashita (c) defeated 1 Called Manders with the Splash Mountain onto the Chair (13:23). *V19 for Rina Yamashita.
5. 6-Way Match: Andreza Giant Panda defeated Joey Janela, Broski Jimmy, Kikutaro, Danhausen and Effy when Andreza pinned Janela & Jimmy with the Andreza Press (9:29).
6. GCW World Title: Mance Warner (c) defeated Takayuki Ueki with the Avalanche Impaler DDT onto the Chair (21:03). *V10 for Mance Warner.
The third and final show of the tour had a few changes to the lineup because of injuries. The big one was Itoh being unable to finish the tour. Her hand injury involves a broken bone so she couldn’t compete in the GCW World Title Match with Mance Warner. Her spot was taken by Takayuki Ueki but Itoh still made an appearance during the match to attack both wrestlers with her pizza cutter.
MAO was thrown into a 6 Way Scramble with a colorful collection of characters. Broski Jimmy recovered from his knockout from the night before, Joey Janela and Effy both wanted to party, Danhausen and Kikutaro had unfinished business but the one who dominated the match more than anyone else was Andreza Giant Panda! Andreza crushed the opposition and pinned both Janela and Jimmy to become the winner.
Zayne was among the injuries that changed the card around. DDT sent in Tetsuya Endo to be his replacement. His match on the show was against Gringo Loco and it turned into a game of one-upmanship. Variations of the One Man Spanish Fly in particular became the point of contention between them. Endo used the Tetsuya In The Sky while Gringo pulled out a Backwards Spanish Fly from the top rope. Soon the aerial attacks were being blocked so Endo pulled out a Tornado Clutch to grab the win in a close contest.
TJPW were also represented on the show by the team of Shoko Nakajima & Kaya Toribami. The two of them fought against The Mothership of Katch & Sheik. The speed and agility of the TJPW duo wasn’t enough to beat the GCW team. Instead Sheik pinned Toribami with the Welcome To Die.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 10/08/2024 Osaka Edion Arena #2 370 Fans
1. Moka Miyamoto & Kaya Toribami defeated Arisu Endo & Chika Nanase when Miyamoto submitted Nanase with the Rashomon (7:40).
2. 3 Way Match: Pom Harajuku defeated Mahiro Kiryu and Runa Okubo when Harajuku pinned Okubo with a Roll Up (6:08).
3. Miu Watanabe, Raku, Shino Suzuki & Uta Takami defeated Shoko Nakajima, Wakana Uehara, Haru Kazashiro & Kira Summer when Raku pinned Kazashiro with the Doctor Yellow (12:58).
4. Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh defeated Masha Slamovich & Toga when Itoh submitted Toga with the Itoh Deluxe (11:35).
5. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Zara Zakher defeated Mizuki with the Control Z (9:46).
6. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Yuki Aino defeated Yuki Kamifuku with the UBV (9:07).
7. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Yuki Arai defeated Suzume with the Finally (11:10).
8. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Ryo Mizunami defeated Rika Tatsumi with the HOT LIMIT (12:33).
Bet this wasn’t the final four you had in mind when you first looked at the Tokyo Princess Cup brackets. Only one person from last year’s semi finals has made it back to the same point and two of the three new faces joining her are outsiders. Ryo Mizunami is the most experienced of them all though, by a wide margin. Rika Tatsumi tried hiding out in the audience so she could lure Mizunami into an ambush. The plan did not cause much damage though. Tatsumi then tried to tough it out and dared Mizunami to Chop her. That ended the way you’d think it would so Tatsumi had to choke her opponent and fight back with Hip Attacks. Mizunami fought her way out of the Dragon Sleeper though, using her power to give Tatsumi the HOT LIMIT for the pinfall.
Mizunami said she never expected Tatsumi to be so scary in the ring and she praised her for her tenacity. Just like the fans, Mizunami is getting addicted to Tokyo Joshi Pro one step at a time. Tatsumi was frustrated with the loss because Mizunami was even more powerful than she thought. There is a power and energy to her that is almost invisible and it really shook Tatsumi’s soul today. Her summer is over but that just means autumn and winter are coming up. She is going to have a think about what new goals she wants to make.
Yuki Arai has made it back to the semi final for the second year in a row. The International Princess Champion got here by beating Suzume, one half of the Princess Tag Team Champions. She blocked the Ring A Bell and countered it into a Full Nelson Buster. Suzume dodged the Finally to roll her up for a nearfall. But Arai got her momentum back and hit the Finally to pin her opponent. Arai asked for a handshake after the match and Suzume hugged her instead. The two have fought each other a lot but mainly in tag matches so Arai is happy to win today. She will do her best to make it to the final. Suzume may have lost but she assures everyone she hasn’t burned out yet. After all, hornets are at their most aggressive from summer to autumn.
Do you know who is burning bright? Yuki Aino! She eliminated last year’s finalist Yuki Kamifuku to book her place in the final four. The Shoulder Blocks were scouted in advance but so too was the Famouser. Kamifuku kept going for the move but ended up getting caught in the Venus DDT. Aino then finished her off with the UBV. She couldn’t be happier or more excited to beat Kamifuku and reach the Princess Cup semi final for the first time ever. She knows it is going to be tough but she wants to make it to the final so she can headline Korakuen Hall! Kamifuku admitted she may have let her guard down because up until recently Aino was more concerned about having fun. But she’s gotten to know herself better. It turns out Kamifuku actually wants to win tournaments even though she hates competing in them.
Perhaps the Cinderella of the tournament isn’t Aino but in fact Zara Zakher? After taking out Miu Watanabe in Round 2 she has now eliminated Mizuki from the tournament in the Quarter Final! Even after Mizuki did her big dive out of the ring, used an Avalanche Cutie Special and also held onto the Face Lock for as long as she could it just wasn’t in the cards for her today. Zakher knocked her down with Lariats and pinned her with the Control Z. Mizuki took the loss in good grace though and gave Zakher a hug afterwards. With that, we have our final four.
After the show was over the four semi-finalists went through the draw to determine who will face who in the next round. We’re getting Yuki Arai Vs Ryo Mizunami and Yuki Aino Vs Zara Zakher on 23rd August. Mizunami thinks Arai is a gutsy fighter and it will make Mizunami’s summer to beat her. Arai has fought Mizunami before and was overwhelmed by her. She is going to go at her own pace and used everything she has learned up until now so she can become number one. Zakher wants to show everyone just how powerful she can get. Aino remembers teaming with her in America back in April. She is also studying her wins against Watanabe and Mizuki to learn how to beat her. She isn’t going to get eaten by this dark horse. Aino is going her eat her instead!
Masha Slamovich returned to TJPW to get back in the ring with both Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh. She had Toga teaming with her for it too. The teamwork of 121000000 was too much though. They caught Slamovich & Toga in the High Knee/Headbutt Sandwich and Itoh then made Toga submit to the Itoh Deluxe. After the match backstage Yamashita wanted to talk about her experiences with wrestling Slamovich but Itoh interrupted her to announce 121000000 want to become Princess Tag Champions again! They have spent time away from each other even when they are both in America. Yet whenever they have teamed up this year they win their tag matches. They even beat Daydream in America during Wrestlemania Week. Itoh would have wanted to get a title shot right after that happened but she thinks now is the perfect time for 121000000 to challenge Daisy Monkey for the belts.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 10/08/2024 Osaka Edion Arena #2
1. 3 Way Match: Pom Harajuku Vs Mahiro Kiryu Vs Runa Okubo
2. Arisu Endo & Chika Nanase Vs Moka Miyamoto & Kaya Toribami
3. Miu Watanabe, Raku, Shino Suzuki & Uta Takami Vs Shoko Nakajima, Wakana Uehara, Haru Kazashiro & Kira Summer
4. Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh Vs Masha Slamovich & Toga
5. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Suzume Vs Yuki Arai
6. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Mizuki Vs Zara Zakher
7. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Yuki Kamifuku Vs Yuki Aino
8. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Rika Tatsumi Vs Ryo Mizunami
Eight women remain in the Tokyo Princess Cup. From this point onwards the bracket will get shuffled up so no one who wins will immediately know who they will face in the semi finals. Usually the lottery will happen at the end of the show.
Maki Itoh’s latest tour with GCW brings her going from Japan to America back to Japan and then to America once more. Masha Slamovich is on the Japan tour too and she is teaming with Toga to take on 121000000.
This will be the first time all four current members of The Up Up Girls (Pro Wrestling) are teaming together for an 8-Woman Tag Match.
HIMAWARI won’t be at the show because she is making a stage appearance somewhere else that day. Whatever the performance is about involves a lot of swordplay.
BASARA “BASARA 254 ~HIEN~”, 13/08/2024 Shin-Kiba 1st RING
1. Masato Kamino Vs Kuma Arashi
2. Ryota Nakatsu Vs Daisuke Sekimoto
3. Takato Nakano Vs Kota Sekifuda
4. Isami Kodaka & Lil’ Kraken Vs Takumi Tsukamoto & Takeru Inoue
5. Ryuichi Sekine & FUMA Vs Kengo Mashimo & Fuminori Abe
The new schedule for BASARA splitting their “UTAGE” show between red and blue brandings begins here. “HIEN” shows promise to contain Hard Mode level matches. The appearances of Kengo Mashimo, Kota Sekifuda, Daisuke Sekimoto and Kuma Arashi going against the BASARA roster is a good way to start things off.
DDT “FIGHTING BEER GARDEN 2024 IN SHINJUKU – DAY 1”, 15/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE
1. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Toru Owashi, To-y & Keigo Nakamura
2. Special 3 Way 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, MAO & Shunma Katsumata Vs Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino & Yuya Koroku Vs Jun Akiyama, Makoto Oishi & Yukio Naya
3. Blindfold Hidden Breast 4 Way Match: Chris Brookes Vs Antonio Honda Vs Super Sasadango Machine Vs Kazuma Sumi
4. Drunk Match: HARASHIMA Vs Masahiro Takanashi
5. International Special 4 Way Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Joey Janela Vs Effy Vs Takeshi Masada
6. International Special Single Match: Danhausen Vs Kazuki Hirata
What is more powerful than Kazuki Hirata dancing to “Tokyo GO!”? Maybe Danhausen dancing to “Tequila”? It is a Beer Garden show after all.
During the week Joey Janela revealed he has been suffering from gallstone pancreatitis. It sounded like he was going to be out of action for a while but instead he went ahead and wrestled in GCW as scheduled. He is also determined to be in Japan for the tour and DDT on their end has not said anything that suggests otherwise.
DDT “MEMORIES OF SUMMER VACATION 2024 TOUR IN YOKOHAMA”, 17/08/2024 Yokohama Radiant Hall
1. Shunma Katsumata & Kazuki Hirata Vs Makoto Oishi & Yuni
2. Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada Vs Antonio Honda & Ilusion
3. Daisuke Sasaki, Ryuichi “Fire” Kawakami, KANON & MJ Paul Vs HARASHIMA, Soma Takao, Keigo Nakamura & Kazuma Sumi
4. Special Tag Match: MAO & Jun Akiyama Vs Tetsuya Endo & Yuya Koroku
5. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Michael Nakazawa
6. Yukio Naya’s Birthday Celebration Match ~ Special Single Match: Yukio Naya Vs Yuki Iino
7. Special Tag Match: Yuki Ueno & To-y Vs Shinya Aoki & Akito
Before the KO-D Openweight Title match between Yuki Ueno and Shinya Aoki takes place on 25th August, they will have one prelim tag match against each other on the 17th.
EVE/TOKYO JOSHI PRO “EVE X TJPW: JAPAN & UK WRESTLING UNITE!”, 24/08/2024
Conway Hall, London, England
1. Aja Kong & Max The Impaler Vs Safire Reed & Zizi
2. EVE Title: Nina Samuels (c) Vs Miyu Yamashita
Over the weekend EVE announced the first two matches of the “EVE X TJPW” show. Miyu Yamashita gets a chance to become a two time EVE Champion when she takes on the defending champion Nina Samuels. Also Max The Impaler is coming over as an extra guest star to team with Aja Kong. Good luck to Safire Reed & Zizi because they are going to need it!
Summer is here and everyone has either gone travelling or are getting their all their plans in order. Funny thing is the people usually being covered for their overseas matches spent most of July wrestling back in Japan. Konosuke Takeshita had a few AEW matches over and done with before he got ready for the G1 Climax. Then Maki Itoh was wrestling in Tokyo Joshi Pro finishing off her latest dates with them before she goes on another GCW tour. So most of the results below are filled up by Miyu Yamashita, Shoko Nakajima and CDK related matches.
It’s the rest of the summer that’s going to get busy. A lot of Itoh matches in GCW with Yamashita popping up here and there along the way. Also some TJPW appearances in Southeast Asia and the USA debut of Yuna Manase are all coming up soon. Then there is the matter of DDT and TJPW holding shows abroad with local promotions in places like London and Seattle. Grab some water and stay hydrated because it’s going to be a busy summer of wrestling everywhere.
Video starts at 2:27:50 for Match #1. Go to 2:52:58 for Match #2. IWA JAPAN “HARDCORE FOREVER”, 27/07/2024 The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand
1. IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Titles – 3 Way Hardcore Match: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi (c) Vs Mister Suchart & Anont Alonzo Vs Ultramantis Black & Dr. Gore Black (w/ Kappa Kozo & Kappa Jr.)
2. IWA Japan SETUP World Title: Ultramantis Black (c) (w/ Dr. Gore Black, Kappa Kozo & Kappa Jr.) Vs Chris Brookes (w/ Masahiro Takanashi)
GCW “JOSH BARNETT’S BLOODSPORT XI”, 28/07/2024 Roulette Intermedium, New York City, New York, USA
1. Shayna Baszler Vs Miyu Yamashita
———————————————————————–
Results
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 03/07/2024 (Aired 05/07/2024) Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1. Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher defeated Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen when Fletcher pinned Quen with the Kneeling Piledriver (10:10).
Takeshita had bigger stuff to prepare for this month but still got some ring time in AEW before heading back to Japan. He and Kyle Fletcher fought against Private Party, surviving a close call against them. Isiah Kassidy joked around to promote Shark Week and then landed the Swanton Bomb on Fletcher. Marq Quen’s 450 Splash afterwards though was blocked by Fletcher’s knees and Takeshita came in to German Suplex him away. Private Party fought back with a Top Rope Frankensteiner into the Cutter to Takeshita followed by the Silly String to Fletcher. Takeshita kicked out of Quen’s 450 Splash, took out both members with Lariats and then gave Kassidy the Blue Thunder Bomb. Fletcher then got to finish off Kassidy with the Kneeling Piledriver.
DPW “DPW LIVE 7”, 06/07/2024 NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
1. Battle Of The Best – Round 1: Shoko Nakajima defeated Masha Slamovich with the Diving Senton (16:16).
Shoko Nakajima touched down on DPW and left North Carolina with a big victory against Masha Slamovich despite taking some heavy hits from her. Slamovich used a Sit Down Power Bomb and also countered the Unmanned Local Train Hold into a Running Air Raid Crash that landed right into a bottom turnbuckle. But Nakajima used the top ropes against Slamovich in order to use a Power Bomb of her own. Slamovich tried using the Power Bomb again but Nakajima slipped down and pulled her into the Double Arm DDT. After that it took a Diving Senton to finish her off and make Nakajima advance to the next round of Battle Of The Best.
1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Tommy Billington with the Powerdrive Knee (13:29).
Takeshita’s last AEW appearance for the month was a noteworthy one because his opponent was Tommy Billington, the nephew of the late Dynamite Kid! The new generation Dynamite Kid gave Takeshita a good challenge but fell to the Powerdrive Knee. Don Callis then attempted to recruit Billington to The Don Callis Family by bringing up his family’s heritage. But that was just a trap for Takeshita and the rest of The Family to attack Billington from behind until FTR ran down to save him.
NORTH WRESTLING “THUNDER STRUCK 2”, 13/07/2024 Walker Dome, Newcastle, England
1. Lizzy Evo defeated Miyu Yamashita with an Inside Cradle (13:45).
This was a case of defeat being snatched from the jaws of victory here. Yamashita seemed to have a lot of the match under control until Lizzy Evo saw an opening to hit her with a Knee Strike to the face and then roll her into a Small Package for the three count out of nowhere. For Evo the result is payback for Yamashita beating her in EVE last year.
IWA JAPAN “HARDCORE FOREVER”, 27/07/2024 The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand
1. IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Titles – 3 Way Hardcore Match: Mister Suchart & Anont Alonzo defeated Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi (c) and Ultramantis Black & Dr. Gore Black (w/ Kappa Kozo & Kappa Jr.) when Alonzo pinned Gore after a Choke Slam/Power Bomb Combo through the Table (?:??). *CDK fails in V2. THE GOOD DEAL becomes the 2nd IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Champions!
2. IWA Japan SETUP World Title: Ultramantis Black (c) (w/ Dr. Gore Black, Kappa Kozo & Kappa Jr.) defeated Chris Brookes (w/ Masahiro Takanashi) with a School Boy (?:??). *V1 for Ultramantis Black.
Whenever CDK goes over to Thailand for SETUP Pro Wrestling that’s enough trouble to handle by itself. This however was not just a SETUP show. It was an event using the IWA Japan banner to celebrate 30 years of the promotion’s existance. CDK came over to defend the IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Titles in a Hardcore 3 Way Match. They had to fight the previous champions THE GOOD DEAL as well as the UMA Corps pairing of Ultramantis Black and Dr. Gore Black. Things went crazy as everybody fought outside the ring. Mister Suchart even got on a motor scooter and crashed it into everyone at ringside! A stapler gun was brought into the ring for Brookes and Ultramantis to staple each other with. Ultramantis then took advantage of miscommunication between CDK to put Brookes through a mini ironing board with a Back Drop. Masahiro Takanashi was also taken out by Dr. Gore attacking him with a toilet seat. From that point on CDK were too hurt to do anything and THE GOOD DEAL put Gore through a table. Anont Alonzo pinned him afterwards to win the belts.
It did not end there though. Earlier in the show the brand new IWA Japan SETUP World Title was introduced to the world. However Ultramantis and the UMA Corps launched an attack to steal the belt. Brookes was so mad to lose the tag titles in the main event without being pinned that he challenged Ultramantis for a World Title match straight away! Ultramantis refused but then attacked Brookes with the belt, causing the impromptu match to begin. Brookes fought back from the disadvantage and Takanashi was still there to cut off interference from the UMA Corps. But Dr. Gore threw a chair into Brookes’ face at ringside allowing Ultramantis to roll him up and escape with his first successful title defence. The UMA Corps continued to attack CDK until THE GOOD DEAL returned to save the day.
GCW “JOSH BARNETT’S BLOODSPORT XI”, 28/07/2024 Roulette Intermedium, New York City, New York, USA
1. Shayna Baszler defeated Miyu Yamashita by TKO (8:37).
If there is any big story to talk about in this month’s article it is this one. Yamashita taking part in GCW’s Bloodsport event is notable in itself. She gave shoot boxing a go pretty early into her pro wrestling career and has the kind of martial arts cred that would get you booked for a show like this. The big news though was who they chose to be her opponent. In the main event she took on Shayna Baszler from WWE! It’s the latest move from WWE to open themselves up and show they are willing to work with other wrestling companies. It’s been noted online that the Bloodsport show featured talent from WWE/NXT, TNA, AEW/ROH, NJPW’s American arm, MLW and TJPW. Baszler ended up beating Yamashita by catching her Skull Kick, turning it into a Tombstone and then beginning to ground and pound her until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
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Upcoming Appearances
GCW “NOW AND FOREVER”, 02/08/2024 TempleLive Cleveland Masonic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs John Wayne Murdoch
August is going to be a GCW month for Maki Itoh both in America and Japan. Her next tour begins with an unexpected opponent. She’s taking on one of their most violent wrestlers John Wayne Murdoch. He won the Tournament Of Survival back in June but his win-loss record in the company since then hasn’t been great.
GCW “CAN I TRUST YOU?”, 04/08/2024 House Of Independents, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
Itoh does not have a match announced for the show yet. This date was on her list of advertised bookings last month. The full card seems to have been shown since then and Blake Christian just so happens to have a “Pick Your Poison” style mystery opponent to be announced that day… I don’t see where else she will fit if she is still going to be there.
GCW “THE SKY IS THE LIMIT”, 13/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE, Tokyo, Japan
1. Broski Jimmy Vs Miyu Yamashita
2. The Great Sasuke Vs Maki Itoh
Itoh is also representing GCW for their Japan tour that is going on with some help from DDT. In a matchup that only sounds more mind bending the more I think of it, Itoh is going to fight The Great Sasuke! Yamashita will be on one of the shows too facing Broski Jimmy. That’s another match that I would never expect but more for head scratchy reasons.
GCW “YOU ONLY DIE ONCE”, 14/08/2024 Shinjuku FACE, Tokyo, Japan
1. Allie Katch & Dark Sheik Vs Kaya Toribami & Shoko Nakajima
2. GCW World Title: Mance Warner (c) Vs Maki Itoh
I made a prediction for this year that Itoh is going to win the GCW World Title. If it ever comes true then this will be the show to do it! It won’t though because GCW are all in on Mance Warner as their top champion while Itoh already holds the GCW Extreme Title but just imagine if they did.
Also added is a GCW Vs TJPW tag match. The visitors (or are they the home team because it’s GCW?) Allie Katch & Dark Sheik take on Kaya Toribami & Shoko Nakajima. I’ll probably make a separate post for the GCW Japan results since those matches are happening in Japan and DDT is involved with promoting the whole tour.
SPW “HARDCORE ISLAND 2: A FINE CITY”, 16/08/2024 Foo Chow Building, Singapore
1. 3 Way Match: Alexis Lee Vs Miyu Yamashita Vs Kaya Toribami
Now that Alexis Lee got to wrestle in Japan and fully integrate herself into TJPW it’s time to send more people back over to Singapore Pro Wrestling. This time Lee will be in a 3 Way Match against two TJPW wrestlers. Yamashita and Toribami are on board to go face her in her home country.
KITSUNE “LOVE MY SHOW!”, 17/08/2024 Brick X Brick, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Yuna Manase Vs X
I was wondering how long it was going to take until I get to write about more of the American “Joshi” promotions that are currently around. Kitsune emerged around the same time period as SPARK Joshi and Sukeban. This one though has actually been able to run a show in Japan thanks to a lot of help from Marvelous. Their next shows in California is where Yuna Manase will be making her American wrestling debut.
GCW “NO SIGNAL IN THE HILLS PT. 4”, 17/08/2024 Ukrainian Culture Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
Itoh will be following GCW back to America after the Japan tour ends.
GCW “SAVE ME”, 18/08/2024 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
More Itoh in GCW here.
KITSUNE “YABAI!”, 18/08/2024 1110 Bates Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Kitsune World Title: Yuna Manase Vs Megan Bayne Vs J-Rod
The original plan was for Manase to be in a 3 Way Match with Sayaka Unagi and J-Rod for the Kitsune World Title. However Unagi is unable to get her visa approved in time and won’t be able to travel to America anytime soon. Since she was the champion, Kitsune made the decision to vacate the belt. It will now go to the winner of a new 3 Way Match between Manase, J-Rod and Megan Bayne.
EVE/TOKYO JOSHI PRO “EVE X TJPW: JAPAN & UK WRESTLING UNITE!”, 24/08/2024
Conway Hall, London, England
Finally we got a venue for the show. Yamashita, Raku, Mahiro Kiryu and HIMAWARI along with Aja Kong are the Japanese talent coming over to TJPW’s joint show with EVE. The EVE wrestlers being promoted for the show so far include Alex Windsor, Nina Samuels, Lena Cross and Session Moth Martina.
GCW “HOMECOMING – NIGHT 1”, 24/08/2024 The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Kerry Morton
The match is in GCW but Itoh gets a little taste of NWA with Kerry Morton as her opponent here. Kerry is the son of Ricky Morton and has been spending a lot of time in NWA as part of The Southern Six. He was even on the winning team at The Crockett Cup a few months ago.
GCW “HOMECOMING – NIGHT 2”, 25/08/2024 The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
None of her GCW matches next month have been announced as Extreme Title defences yet.
MLW “SUMMER OF THE BEASTS”, 29/08/2024 Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA
1. Delmi Exo Vs Miyu Yamashita
MLW wrote a really long passage about this match on their Twitter page but we don’t need to go through all that. Yamashita beat Delmi Exo last December, next month is time for the rematch. The difference here is Exo now has the support of MLW’s main authority figure Cesar Duran by her side.
GCW “LIVE FAST DIE YOUNG”, 31/08/2024 Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1. Miyu Yamashita Vs Megan Bayne
2. Maki Itoh Vs Kylie Rae
Prepare for cute smiles everywhere when Itoh is in the ring with Kylie Rae. Things might get ugly though if Itoh ends up feeling threatened by Rae’s cheerfulness. Yamashita getting another match with Megan Bayne is something she might not want to smile about either. They wrestled each other at a DREAMWAVE show back in April. Bayne won clean and Yamashita was in a pretty bad mood about it afterwards, rejecting her post-match handshake.
INSPIRE A.D. “MAY THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN”, 01/09/2024 Empire Control Room, Austin, Texas, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Devin Carter
One of the non-GCW bookings Itoh is taking after the summer is over at Inspire A.D. in Texas. “The Fashionista” Devin Carter is her opponent. They have only been wrestling for a couple of years, mostly around the Texas scene.
MKW “CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERCARD FROM SHANGHAI”, 14/09/2024 Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, Shanghai, China
1. Queen Of Asia Title: Yuki Kamifuku (c) Vs Crystal
Still another while until Yuki Kamifuku defends the Queen Of Asia Title against Crystal. Kamifuku has been stepping her game up over the last twelve months and it’s really been paying off for her lately.
GCW “BAD ONE”, 14/09/2024 Harpos Concert Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
This will be the last weekend of Itoh’s current tour.
GCW “THA G-CODE”, 15/09/2024 Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, New York, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
And Itoh’s last American booking as of now is here.
SETUP “CHAOPHRAYA VOYAGE: 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THAI WRESTLING”, 28/09/2024 The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand
1. SETUP All Asia Women’s Title – 3 Way Match: Matcha (c) Vs Raku Vs Pom Harajuku
TJPW sent a video message to SETUP announcing the next opponents for Matcha and the SETUP All Asia Women’s Title she currently holds. Both Raku and Pom Harajuku are coming to Thailand to wrestle there for the first time!
TOKYO JOSHI PRO/DEFY “BRIGHT EYES”, 09/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
A big weekend is going down in Seattle during November. TJPW is teaming up with DEFY for a show. Expect around 10-12 TJPW talent to be coming over. That was already announced a while ago…
DDT/DEFY “DDT IN UTERO”, 09/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
What turned out to be new news about the event is DEFY will be bringing over DDT for an evening show too! DDT has not said yet how many people they are going to bring over.
DDT/TOKYO JOSHI PRO/DEFY “TRIANGLER DTD”, 10/11/2024 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
The weekend ends with DDT, TJPW and DEFY all joining forces for a triple promotion show.