DDT Around The World – September 2022

October 1, 2022

The international adventures of the extended DDT family is a little bit different this month compared to our previous reports. Konosuke Takeshita was back in Japan all last month, Shota completed the first month of his US excursion, the DDT Extreme Title went over there too in Joey Janela’s luggage and there were no AEW bookings in America for the usual crew. Instead Europe was a bigger focus by the end of the month with CDK and others heading over to England. Things will ramp back up in October with Takeshita heading back to the US for almost the rest of this year while Shota continues to get bookings in the underrated Texas territory of the independents along with other places. By the time November comes along it will probably take me a solid week to get these posts ready.

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Videos


Video starts at 18:59 for the match
MPW “ENDANGERED”, 02/09/2022
Nordhoff PL, Chatsworth, California, USA

1. Triple Threat Match: Darwin Finch Vs J2 Mattioli Vs Shota


Video starts at 47:25 for the match
PWF “ENDANGERED”, 03/09/2022
Houston Premier Arena, Houston, Texas, USA

1. JJ Blake Vs Shota Suzuki


Video starts at 39:18 for the match
JCW “UNCENSORED”, 10/09/2022
Boonton Elks Lodge, Boonton, New Jersey, USA

1. DDT Extreme Title – Bodyslam Challenge Match: Joey Janela (c) Vs Beastman


Video starts at 6:11 for the match
ROW “TEXAS GOLD RUSH”, 10/09/2022
Booker T World Gym Arena, Texas City, Texas, USA

1. Shota Vs Ayden Cristiano


NEW “YEAR ONE ANNIVERSARY”, 16/09/2022
Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, Canada

1. Maki Itoh Vs Gisele Shaw


Video starts at 1:54:00 for the match
FRONTLINE PRO “A NIGHT FOR TYLER V”, 24/09/2022
Bakerville Bar And Grill, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA

1. Shota Vs Ragnar The Ruthless


Video starts at 0:21 for Match #1. Go to 1:32:55 for Match #2
MDRN NMD “I SPELL F-L-Y”, 29/09/2022
The Bread Shed, Grosvenor St., Manchester, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs LK Mezinger & Splits McPins
2. Shigehiro Irie Vs Dan Moloney

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Results


EVE “THURSDAY NIGHT RIOT”, 01/09/2022
229 The Venue, London, England

1. Rhia O’Reilly & Nightshade defeated Rayne Leverkusen & Harley Hudson when O’Reilly pinned Leverkusen after a Double Elevated DDT (9:40).
2. International Princess Title: Alex Windsor (c) defeated Hikari Noa with the GTF (14:41).
*V1 for Alex Windsor.

The month started off with Hikari Noa travelling to Camden Town in London, England. She was there for an EVE show and wanted to take the International Princess Title back to Japan. That did not work out. Instead Alex Windsor was too high a wall for her to climb over and Noa had to leave England empty handed. Windsor will be back in Tokyo Joshi Pro for “WRESTLE PRINCESS III” next month.

The Uprising won their match to get a trip to Japan for TJPW. Rhia O’Reilly & Nightshade promised they are coming to Japan to crush whoever is thrown their way. TJPW took their words as them challenging Reiwa AA Cannon for the Princess Tag Team Titles at “WRESTLE PRINCESS III”.


MPW “ENDANGERED”, 02/09/2022
Nordhoff PL, Chatsworth, California, USA

1. Triple Threat Match: J2 Mattioli defeated Darwin Finch and Shota when Mattioli pinned Shota with an Elbow Strike (?:??).

The American excursion for Shota kicked off in California for Millenium Pro Wrestling and he was so close to starting his stay with a win. Shota had Darwin Finch pinned with the Frog Splash when J2 Mattioli struck him in the back of the head with an Elbow Smash. That was a knockout blow and it was Shota who ended up having his shoulders pinned for the three count.


PWF “LIVEWIRE”, 03/09/2022
Houston Premier Arena, Houston, Texas, USA

1. JJ Blake defeated Shota Suzuki with the Hollywood & Vine (?:??).

The next day Shota travelled over to Houston, Texas where he will be spending a lot of time during his excursion. It was another loss for Shota as his Premier Wrestling Federation with JJ Blake ended with him getting pinned with a Rock Bottom. It was under fairer circumstances because the finish was set up by Blake catching Shota’s Diving Cross Body and rolling him into position for his finisher.


GCW “THE ART OF WAR”, 03/09/2022
Grand Sports Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA

1. DDT Extreme Title & 6 Pack Of PBR – 2 Ring Ladder Scramble Match: Joey Janela (c) defeated Mike Bailey, Tony Deppen, Cole Radrick, Drago Kid, Gringo Loco, Dante Leon and Shane Mercer when Janela pinned Deppen with a Diving Elbow from the Ladder (18:26).
*V1 for Joey Janela.

Joey Janela has the DDT Extreme Title with him in America and he got DDT to endorse a few title defences while he is over there. The first one was a complete gamble because he put the title on the line in GCW against seven other wrestlers in a two ring ladder match. The one advantage with this is everybody destroys each other by the end so there comes a point where nobody can stop you. Janela found that moment and remained champion among all the chaos.


JCW “UNCENSORED”, 10/09/2022
Boonton Elks Lodge, Boonton, New Jersey, USA

1. DDT Extreme Title – Bodyslam Challenge Match: Joey Janela (c) defeated Beastman with the Body Slam through a Door (13:17).
*V2 for Joey Janela.

The following week was a lot more calmer atmosphere for Janela but still a very painful experience. He had to figure out how to Body Slam a big opponent like Beastman in JCW. Janela found his opening when the two found themselves standing on the turnbuckles. Janela struck Beastman with a large bone that Beastman brought with him to the ring. Janela then used the leverage of the turnbuckles to Body Slam his opponent through a door placed over some chairs in the middle of the ring to be declared the winner.


ROW “TEXAS GOLD RUSH”, 10/09/2022
Booker T World Gym Arena, Texas City, Texas, USA

1. Ayden Cristiano defeated Shota with a Modified Stretch (?:??).

The numbers game went against Shota for his return to ROW. Members of La Familia interfered in the match and aided Ayden Cristiano in beating Shota by submission.


NEW “YEAR ONE ANNIVERSARY”, 16/09/2022
Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, Canada

1. Maki Itoh defeated Gisele Shaw with the I.S.D (13:23).

Canada got the full Maki Itoh experience with her first visit to the country. She got a big win over there too by beating Impact’s own Gisele Shaw.


PRESTIGE “PERSEVERANCE”, 17/09/2022
The Glass House, Pomona, USA

1. Miyu Yamashita defeated Trish Adora with the Skull Kick (14:04).
2. Sandra Moone defeated Maki Itoh with the Moone’s Landing (10:26).

The next day Itoh met up with Miyu Yamashita in America for their latest Prestige appearances. Itoh was given a big spot with a semi-main event match against Sandra Moone. After a heavy back and forth fight, Moone used a Gutwrench Driver to spike Itoh onto the canvas and grab the win.

Earlier in the show Yamashita fought Trish Adora in a highly anticipated match up that’s been receiving high praise from those who have seen it. Seek it out when you can.


MISSION PRO “Welcome To The Jungle”, 17/09/2022
Salvation Army Mission Corps, San Antonio, Texas, USA

1. JP Harlow defeated Shota with the Freedom Bomb (?:??).

Shota still hasn’t gotten a win yet during his American stay. Some of it could be down to bad luck but here in Mission Pro it was because JP Harlow cheated to win.


FRONTLINE PRO “A NIGHT FOR TYLER V”, 24/09/2022
Bakerville Bar And Grill, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA

1. Ragnar The Ruthless defeated Shota with the TKO (?:??).

I couldn’t find the result for this match. I’ll update the post if I ever do.


PROGRESS “CHAPTER 142: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN SNAKE”, 25/09/2022
O2 Academy, Birmingham, England

1. Shigehiro Irie defeated Gene Munny with the Beast Bomber (6:18).
2. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi defeated Kid Lykos & Kid Lykos II (19:15).

Home sweet home for Chris Brookes. His last match in England was over two and a half years ago. So much has happened since then. His CCK teammate Kid Lykos went and got another tag partner, turning Joe Nelson into Kid Lykos II. So PROGRESS went and booked CDK against Lykos Gym for Brookes’ big return to the promotion. Masahiro Takanashi ended up seeing a whole lot of his buddy’s past this week.

Meanwhile Shigehiro Irie is sticking around the same general area as CDK during his stay in Europe. He’s taking pretty much the same bookings as them while they are over in this part of the world. His return to PROGRESS ended with a win over Gene Munny, although I heard the allegedly prestigious Gene Munny Championship was not on the line.


PROGRESS “RETURN OF THE FLY”, 27/09/2022
The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England

1. Masahiro Takanashi defeated Luke Jacobs (10:11).
2. PROGRESS Atlas Title: Big Damo (c) defeated Shigehiro Irie (8:18).
*V1 for Big Damo.
3. No DQ Match: Kid Lykos defeated Chris Brookes (17:44).

Two days later saw PROGRESS host what is being described by their fans as one of the most memorable matches in the promotion’s recent history. Brookes and Lykos faced off in a singles match that became a violent No DQ bout. Lykos ended up fighting the end to the match with his mask ripped apart and barely hanging off him but he didn’t care about fighting with his face fully exposed. It was an emotional scene when Lykos ended up winning and whatever bad blood that developed between the two was all swept away once the match was over.

Irie got a chance to win the PROGRESS Atlas Title, the promotion’s championship that is fought exclusively in the heavyweight division. He took on the new champion from Northern Ireland, Big Damo who just won the belt a few days earlier.

Takanashi had something to do too. He beat the previous Atlas Champion Luke Jacobs early in the card.


MDRN NMD “I SPELL F-L-Y”, 29/09/2022
The Bread Shed, Grosvenor St., Manchester, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi defeated LK Mezinger & Splits McPins when Brookes pinned Mezinger after the Praying Mantis Bomb & Super Kick Combo (?:??).
2. Dan Moloney defeated Shigehiro Irie (?:??).

All of the drama and seriousness of the PROGRESS matches called for a needed change of pace for our crew. Modern Nomad Pro Wrestling was just the tonic they were looking for. CDK split apart Bowl-A-Rama but Irie suffered an upset loss against Dan Moloney.


WXW “INNER CIRCLE”, 30/09/2022
wXw Wrestling Academy, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

1. Fuminori Abe defeated Masha Slamovich with the Manjigatame (10:22).
2. Shigehiro Irie defeated Peter Tihanyi with the Beast Bomber (11:57).

This result is coming in hot, right before I finished the complete article and had it ready to post. Shigehiro Irie’s weekend in Germany began with a win against Peter Tihanyi.

According to reports on Twitter, there was a spot in the Masha Slamovich Vs Fuminori Abe match where Abe punched a wall. He has at least three more matches this weekend!

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Upcoming Appearances


WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2022”, 01/10/2022
Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group B: Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie Vs Robert Dreissker & Laurance Roman
2. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group A: Axel Tischer & Eric Young Vs Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi

The World Tag Team Festival lineup is completed and CDK have three teams all completely different from each other to go against. The opening day sees them against a SAnitY reunion! Eric Young is heading over to Germany to team with Axel Tischer, formerly known in WWE as Alexander Wolfe. Meanwhile Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie takes on longtime wXw wrestlers “Avalanche” Robert Dreissker & Laurance Roman, together known as Amboss. Irie has fought both of them in the past while Abe has been in the ring with just Dreissker.


PWF “LIVEWIRE”, 01/10/2022
Houston Premier Arena, Houston, Texas, USA

1. Shota Suzuki Vs Dante Leon

Houston, Texas is Shota’s home away from home during his American stay. It’s a bit of a CyberFight crossover here because Dante Leon wrestled in NOAH recently.


WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2022”, 02/10/2022
Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group A: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs Senza Volto & Aigle Blanc
2. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group B: Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku Vs Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie

Day 2 in wXw sees Abe & Irie meeting Violence Is Forever for the first time. Expect all four wrestlers to beat the hell out of each other in that one. Brookes & Takanashi will have a very different change of pace when they face The Frenchadors. The two masked wrestlers Senza Volto & Aigle Blanc could not be any more different from SAnitY.


WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2022”, 03/10/2022
Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group B: Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie Vs Nikita Charisma & Michael Schenkenberg
2. World Tag Team Festival 2022 – Group A: Prince Ahura & Maggot Vs Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi

The final block matches has both teams taking on wXw regulars. CDK’s opponents Pretty Bastards are the previous winners of the WTTF held back in 2019. Prince Ahura & Maggot are accomplished singles wrestlers in their own right too with Maggot currently holding the wXw Shotgun Title. Abe & Irie’s final group match is against Rot Und Flott, the reigning wXw World Tag Team Champions. As the current title holders that makes Nikita Charisma & Michael Schenkenberg early favorites to win the tournament.


JCW “JCW VS THE WORLD”, 09/10/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Shota Vs Steve Scott

Shota makes his JCW debut. His opponent “2Hot” Steve Scott is a JCW regular with some GCW appearances scattered around here and there.


RCW “WORLD CUP 3”, 22/10/2022
Casinet d’Hostafrancs, Barcelona, Spain

1. World Cup 3: Maya Yukihi Vs X
2. Miyu Yamashita Vs Millie McKenzie

Over in Spain, RCW are holding a women’s wrestling tournament filled with talent around the world. Maya Yukihi is an entrant representing Japan. Nightshade is taking part as the UK entry. Miyu Yamashita will also be on the show but she is scheduled for a non-tournament match. Now, right before I was about to post this article, I saw RCW’s tweet about Millie McKenzie being on the show as Yamashita’s opponent. If it’s a one-on-one match the timing of that is convenient because…


EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM V – SHOW 1”, 13/11/2022
229 The Venue, London, England

1. Hyper Misao Vs X
2. EVE Title No. 1 Contender Match: Millie McKenzie Vs Miyu Yamashita

The return of Millie McKenzie without restrictions to the British wrestling scene after NXT UK’s closure wasted no time in becoming newsworthy. She made an unexpected appearance at the “THURSDAY NIGHT RIOT” show and after her match was finished, it was announced she will take on Miyu Yamashita in November! It was then later revealed the match will determine the No. 1 Contender for the EVE Title. EVE are splitting “WRESTLE QUEENDOM V” into two shows, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The Millie Vs Miyu match will be on the afternoon show. Hyper Misao’s match has not been announced yet so she could be on either shows, if not both.


WRESTLERAVE “IN YOUR WAREHOUSE”, 19/11/2022
Houston Premier Arena, Houston, Texas, USA

1. WrestleRave Title: Aaron Mercer (c) Vs Shota

WrestleRave is a young promotion that’s been running out of the Houston Premier Arena for just over a year. Shota has a chance to become the promotion’s second ever champion if he can beat Aaron Mercer.


PW REVOLUTION/WEST COAST PRO “KING OF INDIES 2022”, 19/11/2022
United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, California, USA

1. King Of Indies 2022: Konosuke Takeshita Vs X

Konosuke Takeshita made have to run through a growing killer lineup if he wants to win the King Of Indies tournament. Katsuhiko Nakajima is the latest Japanese name entering the tournament while luchador Viento won a qualifying match to earn a spot. I’m hearing there’s been a recent groundswell in support for Titus Alexander to win too.

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Nishinari Bay Blues, Ganpro Vs Outsiders, Dramatic Dreams Update

September 9, 2022

DDT “JAPAN BAKERY MARKETING PRESENTS KONOSUKE TAKESHITA 10TH ANNIVERSARY ~NISHINARI BAY BLUES~”, 10/09/2022
Osaka Nishinari Kumin Center

0. MJ Paul & KANON Vs Hideki Okatani & Takeshi Masada
0. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Staggered Entry Battle Royal: Toru Owashi Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Yuki “Sexy” Iino Vs Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari Vs Yusuke Okada Vs Yuya Koroku Vs Makoto Oishi Vs Akito Vs Soma Takao Vs Saki Akai Vs Yuki Ishida Vs Ilusion Vs El Unicorn
1. Yasu Urano, Antonio Honda & Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi Vs Masahiro Takanashi, Super Sasadango Machine & X
2. The 37KAMIINA Vs Brahmin Brothers: MAO, Shunma Katsumata & Toi Kojima Vs Brahman Shu, Brahman Kei & Brahman Sanshiro
3. Tokyo Joshi Pro 3 Way Tag Offer Match: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao Vs Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki Vs Miu Watanabe & Arisu Endo
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Naomi Yoshimura & Yukio Naya Vs Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama & Yuji Hino
5. Special Tag Match ~ Sakuya Konohana Tag Vs CCK!: Konosuke Takeshita & Yuki Ueno Vs Chris Brookes & Kid Lykos
6. Nobuyuki Onizawa’s Ochakan Radio Presents Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Yukio Sakaguchi Vs HARASHIMA & Shinya Aoki
7. Japan Bakery Marketing Co., Ltd. Presents Special Single Match: Konosuke Takeshita Vs Daisuke Sasaki

The majority of the match order will not be revealed until the show begins tomorrow. What’s confirmed is the match between Konosuke Takeshita and Daisuke Sasaki is the main event and two matches were chosen to be put in the pre-show.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW AUTUMN TOUR ’22”, 16/09/2022
Shinjuku FACE

1. 3 Way Match: Hyper Misao Vs Yuki Kamifuku Vs Haruna Neko
2. Moka Miyamoto Vs X
3. Rika Tatsumi Vs Mahiro Kiryu
4. Hikari Noa, Nao Kakuta & Kaya Toribami Vs Yuki Aino, Raku & Pom Harajuku
5. Shoko Nakajima & Arisu Endo Vs Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki
6. International Princess Title Next Challenger Match: Miu Watanabe Vs Suzume

Tokyo Joshi Pro are a little bit short handed next weekend because Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh will both be absent. After all of the matches were put together Moka Miyamoto became the odd one out. She is getting a match though and an opponent will be announced for her sometime before the show takes place.

GANBARE☆PRO “TWIN PEAKS 2022”, 23/09/2022
Tokyo Oji BASEMENT MON☆STAR

1. Twin Peaks 2022 Special Tag Match: Keisuke Ishii & Tyson Maeguchi Vs Kouki Iwasaki & Mizuki Watase
2. GanPro Specialty! Mixed 6-Man Tag Match: Ken Ohka, Moeka Haruhi & HARUKAZE Vs Yumehito Imanari, Yuna Manase & YuuRI
3. GanPro Three Major Singles Match: Shuichiro Katsumura Vs Yuki Ishida
4. GanPro Three Major Singles Match: Soma Takao Vs Yuki Kanzaki
5. GanPro Three Major Singles Match: Shinichiro Tominaga Vs Jun Masaoka

A doubleheader for Ganbare☆Pro is happening later this month. The first show is built around GanPro Vs Outsider matches. The three matches will see Shinichiro Tominaga, Soma Takao and Shuichiro Katsumura defend home turf against Jun Masaoka, Yuki Kanzaki and Yuki Ishida respectively.

Yumehito Imanari has a background role in the upcoming movie “ROMAN PORNO NOW”, the latest release from a long running softcore movie series entering its 50th anniversary. Imanari is citing this as proof that his career is not dead after losing the Spirit Of Ganbare Title to Hartley Jackson last week. Instead the movie role is how he will enter a new chapter of his life and he believes he will triumphantly return to Ganpro as a star.

GANBARE☆PRO “ENEMY OF AMERICA 2022”, 23/09/2022
Tokyo Oji BASEMENT MON☆STAR

1. Young Drama Generation Vs Reiwa Dramatic Generation: Keisuke Ishii Vs Toi Kojima
2. YuuRI GanPro 1st Anniversary Match: Yuna Manase Vs YuuRI
3. GanPro Three Major Tag Match: Moeka Haruhi & HARUKAZE Vs Miyuki Takase & Yoshiko Hasegawa
4. GanPro Three Major Tag Match: Shuichiro Katsumura & Shinichiro Tominaga Vs Kouki Iwasaki & Yuki Kanzaki
5. GanPro Three Major Tag Match: Ken Ohka & Yumehito Imanari Vs Soma Takao & Mizuki Watase

It’s already been a year since YuuRI joined Ganpro. Last September she crashed a Ganbare☆Joshi show with the surprise announcement that she joined the promotion. Yuna Manase was her first opponent so it is only fitting to run back that match for her 1st Anniversary.

BASARA “BASARA 200 ~TAKAGARI 12~”, 24/09/2022
Takashimadaira Ward Community Center

1. IRON FIST Tag Titles: Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino (c) Vs FUMA & Daichi Kazato

Aijin Tag are the new IRON FIST Tag Champions and already have a challenger chomping at their feet. Daichi Kazato wants to face Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino, thinking he can beat them on his own. He needed to find a partner to get his title shot so his Asian Kung Fu Revolution stablemate FUMA is coming over to even out the numbers.

DDT “DRAMATIC DREAMS! VOL. 9 ~NO CLOUDS OVER THE MOON~”, 10/10/2022
Osaka Higashinari Ward Community Center

1. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~Smile Squash Vs DAMNATION T.A~: HARASHIMA, Yasu Urano & Akito Vs Minoru Fujita, MJ Paul & KANON
2. Special Tag Match Sterness Siege ~Men Of Ice Vs Men Of Melting Ice~: Jun Akiyama & Antonio Honda Vs Kuishinbo Kamen & Kikutaro
3. Special Single Match ~Road Of Former Champions~: Tetsuya Endo Vs Masahiro Takanashi
4. Special Tag Match ~Wrestling Master Jrs Vs The 37KAMIINA~: Daisuke Sasaki & HUB Vs Yuki Ueno & Shunma Katsumata
5. Special Tag Match Osaka Monogatari ~ Destruction Demon King Vs The “It Was The Power Of Wrestling That Resolved The Worst Of Their Relationship To The Point Where They Didn’t Even See Eye To Eye. Their Belief Is That There Is Never A Normal Good Match And The Common Denominator Is An Unusual wrestling Head”z~: Kazusada Higuchi & Naomi Yoshimura Vs Shigehiro Irie & MAO

Here comes Shigehiro Irie & MAO with the most convoluted tag team name I have ever heard. If anyone has a better translation of the name please tell me because I’m not spending my weekend trying to figure that out when I have Splatoon 3 and NBA 2K23 waiting for me.

Daisuke Sasaki & HUB are teaming together for just the second time in their careers. They teamed together on the second “DRAMATIC DREAMS!” show back in 2015.

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GANBARE☆PRO “PUNCH DRUNK LOVE 2022” Results

September 3, 2022

GANBARE☆PRO “PUNCH DRUNK LOVE 2022”, 03/09/2022
Tokyo Narimasu Act Hall
118 Fans

1. GanPro Vs MAKAI: Keisuke Ishii defeated Yuki Kanzaki with the Screw Sinker Bomb (8:58).
2. GanJo Special Tag Match: Yuna Manase & YuuRI defeated Moeka Haruhi & Yoshiko Hasegawa when Manase pinned Hasegawa with the Suzuki Dynamic (11:11).
3. Hardcore Mixed Tag Match: Shigehiro Irie & Akane Fujita defeated Mizuki Watase & HARUKAZE when Irie pinned Watase with an Avalanche Samoan Drop onto the Chair (19:00).
4. GanPro Special 6-Man Tag Match: Ken Ohka, Shuichiro Katsumura & Kouki Iwasaki defeated Soma Takao, Shinichiro Tominaga & Jun Masaoka when Katsumura submitted Tominaga with the Combined Joint Technique That Needs A Name (15:33).
5. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Hartley Jackson defeated Yumehito Imanari (c) with the Jumping Piledriver (20:28).
*Yumehito Imanari fails in V3. Hartley Jackson becomes the 3rd Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Champion!

Today’s show was meant to be the beginning of Ganbare☆Pro’s new global strategy. Yumehito Imanari was going to beat Hartley Jackson and bring the company one step further out of Japan. Instead the promotion’s whole main event scene was flipped on its head. Jackson not only took Imanari’s best shot but fired back with his own and pinned him with the Jumping Piledriver. That means he is now the Spirit Of Ganbare Champion! Jackson gave Imanari credit, telling the fans he was feeling in the worst condition of his life after the match. But he was able to win the championship in this condition so where is his victory beer? Jackson then declared there is no man in GanPro that can beat him.

Suddenly Yuna Manase got into the ring and stood before Jackson. She asked him if she remembers her? Last year she entered the ZERO1 Furinkazan Tag Team Tournament with Imanari and lost to Jackson’s team in the 1st Round. She isn’t going to let Jackson come here and extinguish the flames of GanPro because he doesn’t understand the meaning of Ganbare! She challenges him for the Spirit Of Ganbare Title! Jackson didn’t take her seriously because he beat her into oblivion before. He warns he will beat her again so hard that fans in the front row will be shocked to death. Manase won’t change her mind. She told Jackson in English “The next Spirit Of Ganbare Champion’s name is Yuna Manase!” The title match will happen on 2nd October.

The use of Lego in the Hardcore Mixed Tag Match brought back mixed emotions for Shigehiro Irie. He never had friends in primary school so he played with Lego all the time instead. He still has them in his parent’s house. Akane Fujita suggested he should bring them for the next Hardcore Match. He won’t allow them to be used as weapons because they mean so much to him. Irie praised Mizuki Watase for always fighting with the spirit of Ganbare on his back. Nothing would make him happier than to see Watase reach to the top of GanPro by working hard. The match was only the second time HARUKAZE did hardcore wrestling and she is learning the more she fights this way the more she likes it.

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DDT Around The World – August 2022

September 1, 2022

The summer is over and I thought this article would be winding down and become easier to write about for a few months. After all, Konosuke Takeshita is back in Japan for a while so his AEW journey is on a little break. Instead Shota decides to go live in America and get bookings for some of the most obscure indie companies I have ever heard of. I mean some are so out of the way if you bring them up to the people who run IWTV their response would probably be “Who?” But once September and October are done and dusted Takeshita will be heading back to the US with bigger goals in mind. I think it’s too early right now to talk about whether or not he’s going to be one foot out the door with DDT for good. It’s definitely something I’ll have to write about some day, just not today.

So this series might look a little different in the coming months. Joey Janela is carrying the DDT Extreme Title around the world and has a number of defences already lined up. I’ll be keeping track of them here for as long as it goes on. The same will go for the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title if that ever leaves Japan again. So yeah if you’re expecting next month’s post to be about more of Takeshita’s adventures, you’re probably going to get a face full of Shota and Janela instead. However I have a expectation you’ll still see Yuka Sakazaki, Maki Itoh and Miyu Yamashita popping up in AEW every now and then to go along with their North American indie bookings. Did you see that Sakazaki is going to be in the AEW video game? Take that FTR!

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Videos


AEW “RAMPAGE”, 05/08/2022
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Ryan Nemeth


Video starts at 58:37 for the match
WIDE BAY PRO “RAMPAGE”, 06/08/2022
Maryborough State High School, Sussex Street, Maryborough, Australia

1. Interstate Title: Mitch Ryder (c) (w/ Todd Eastman) Vs Shota Suzuki


AEW “BATTLE OF THE BELTS III”, 06/08/2022
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

1. ROH World Title: Claudio Castagnoli (c) Vs Konosuke Takeshita


MAW “SUMMER HEAT”, 07/08/2022
Fat Pants Brewing Company, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs JDX


Video starts at 43:23 for the match
JCW “AFTER HOURS 2”, 13/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Maki Itoh Vs Billie Starkz


Video starts at 15:08 for the match
AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 15/08/2022
Target Cente, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Cezar Bononi


Video starts at 36:45 for the match
AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 22/08/2022
Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, West Virginia, USA

1. Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue Vs Emi Sakura & Maki Itoh

———————————————————————–

Results


AEW “BATTLE OF THE BELTS III”, 05/08/2022 (Aired 06/08/2022)
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

1. ROH World Title: Claudio Castagnoli (c) defeated Konosuke Takeshita with the Ricola Bomb (19:59).
*V1 for Claudio Castagnoli.

Takeshita is now 0 for 2 in World Championship matches during his excursion. He couldn’t win the PWG World Title in July and last month couldn’t beat Claudio Castagnoli for the ROH World Title. It’s another tale of so close but so far for him. He’s putting up the great performances but just not getting those wins when it matters.


AEW “RAMPAGE”, 05/08/2022
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Ryan Nemeth with the Zahi (1:41).

One good thing to happen on the taping was Takeshita’s first win on national TV. Funny thing is this was taped after the ROH Title match but aired on TV the day before. Takeshita wanted to get that one big win on TV before he went back to Japan. Ryan Nemeth isn’t that big win to be honest but hey, it’s a start.


WIDE BAY PRO “RAMPAGE”, 06/08/2022
Maryborough State High School, Sussex Street, Maryborough, Australia

1. Interstate Title: Mitch Ryder (c) (w/ Todd Eastman) defeated Shota Suzuki with the Rope Assisted Piledriver (?:??).
*V? for Mitch Ryder.

You’ll notice that Shota will be using the name Shota Suzuki in some places. It’s to avoid people confusing him with Shota Umino. I can tell you myself whenever I tweet about Shota’s excursion I get a few responses from people thinking I’m talking about the Shota from New Japan. Anyway he had the pleasure of being Wide Bay Pro’s first international guest wrestler on their shows. He was hoping to win the Interstate Title from Mitch Ryder and use the belt as his ticket to wrestle in Australia more. Unfortunately Ryder’s manager Todd Eastman got involved and his distraction led to Shota losing to a see-saw Piledriver over the middle rope.


DPW “BELIEVE THE HYPE”, 06/08/2022
Gov. James E. Holshouser Building, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

1. Emi Sakura defeated Mizuki with the Queen’s Gambit (11:02).
2. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Andrew Everett with the Lil Sebastian’s Curse (18:41).

Mixed results on the Deadlock Pro show. The main event had Takeshita beat Andrew Everett in an absolute scorcher of a match. Mizuki’s first match in America ended in a loss to Emi Sakura. The teacher versus student dynamic was on full display. Sakura even got one more dirty reminder after the match by offering a handshake just to attack Mizuki even more. However the fans responded greatly to Mizuki and were happy to hear her shout “I will be back!”


MAW “SUMMER HEAT”, 07/08/2022
Fat Pants Brewing Company, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated JDX with the Lil Sebastian’s Curse (17:38).

I heard about this match happening from a few Discords but couldn’t find info on it until after it took place. Midwest All-Star Wrestling is a regular promotion for JDX (Justin D. Xavier, the D stands for Disgusting). He thought Takeshita was going to look past him because his focus was on the ROH Title match. Instead Takeshita put him through a hard fought match and had his hand raised in the end.


AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 10/08/2022 (Aired 15/08/2022)
Target Cente, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Cezar Bononi with the Zahi (2:37).

With this win over Cezar Bononi, Takeshita has one more opponent he needs to beat for a clean sweep over The Wingmen. Where you at, Peter Avalon?


PROGRESS “CHAPTER 137: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – COPPERHEAD”, 13/08/2022
O2 Academy, Sheffield, England

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Leon Slater with the Zahi (12:17).

Over to England now where Takeshita made his PROGRESS debut. His 17 year old opponent Leon Slater was a replacement for an injured Robbie X. Slater put up a heck of a fight but his big mistake was to try and set up a One Man Spanish Fly off the top rope. Takeshita instead used the stalled time to knock Slater off the turnbuckle with a Lariat and then pin him with the Zahi.


JCW “AFTER HOURS 2”, 13/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Billie Starkz defeated Maki Itoh with the Assault Driver (11:13).

Those cheeky gits at GCW advertised Maki Itoh for both nights of their Homecoming weekend but her match on the first night was with JCW instead. I think she did fan meet and greets during the GCW show so they can probably get away with avoiding accusations of false advertising. Anyway her match against Billie Starkz happened very late at night. She had a busy schedule for the following day.


PROGRESS “CHAPTER 138: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – COTTONMOUTH”, 14/08/2022
Boiler Shop, Newcastle, England

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Dean Allmark with the Lil Sebastian’s Curse (10:05).

Takeshita’s second day in PROGRESS gave him a far more experienced opponent to deal with in the form of Dean Allmark. He had some tricks up his sleeve like a Headstand Backslide Pin but Takeshita rolled out of it to hit the Zahi for a nearfall. He then hit the Lil Sebastian’s Curse to win. I need to find out if he minds everybody still wanting to call that move the Cinnabomb.


GCW “HOMECOMING PART 2”, 14/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Maki Itoh defeated Dark Sheik with the Flying DDT (10:54).

If there is one thing you need to know about this match it’s this. They did the Top Rope DDT spot from the Dean Malenko Vs Scotty 2 Hotty match that happened at Backlash 2000. It is also where Itoh started using the I.D.S as her new finisher. That wasn’t the end of Itoh’s night. She appeared during the main event segment where Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green renewed their wedding vows. Itoh sang “L.O.V.E.” by Frank Sinatra for the happy couple before Nick Gage came out and crashed the ceremony with a pizza cutter.


AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 17/08/2022 (Aired 22/08/2022)
Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, West Virginia, USA

1. Emi Sakura & Maki Itoh defeated Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue when Sakura pinned Blue with the Queen’s Gambit (7:15).

Itoh’s latest stay in America ended with another visit to AEW. She teamed with Emi Sakura to beat Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue. Itoh claims Emi Sakura is the newest member of the Itoh Respect Army but Sakura denies this. At least her singing impressed Matt Menard on commentary.

———————————————————————–

Upcoming Appearances


EVE “THURSDAY NIGHT RIOT”, 01/09/2022
229 The Venue, London, England

1. Rayne Leverkusen & Harley Hudson Vs Rhia O’Reilly & Nightshade
2. International Princess Title: Alex Windsor (c) Vs Hikari Noa

Later tonight Hikari Noa will challenge Alex Windsor for the International Princess Title in EVE. Noa arrived in London safe and sound during the week and EVE’s Twitter account shows her enjoying the vibrant sights of Camden. This may be TJPW’s only chance to bring the IP Title back home any time soon though. Windsor tweeted her frustrations over how difficult it’s been to get even an appointment with the Japanese embassy so she can travel back to Japan.

The tag match I included here has implications to pay attention to. The winners will get to wrestle for TJPW in Japan sometime in the future. Nightshade has been in TJPW back in 2019. In EVE she sides with Rhia O’Reilly as part of The Uprising stable. O’Reilly is also an accomplished wrestler across the British women’s scene. Their opponents Rayne Leverkusen & Harley Hudson I don’t know much about. Hudson’s biggest profile appearances seem to be with ICW in Scotland and TNT Extreme in Liverpool. Leverkusen I can’t find much info about other than a few recent EVE matches and Youtube videos of other matches across assorted indies.


MPW “ENDANGERED”, 02/09/2022
Nordhoff PL, Chatsworth, California, USA

1. Triple Threat Match: Darwin Finch Vs J2 Vs Shota

Shota’s new American life begins with Millenium Pro Wrestling in California. The promotion has been in existence since 2001. If Shota can beat Darwin Finch and J2 in a Triple Threat match then he will qualifiy for a Scramble match on 9th September that MPW is putting together to celebrate their anniversary.


PWF “ENDANGERED”, 03/09/2022
Houston Premier Arena, Houston, Texas, USA

1. JJ Blake Vs Shota Suzuki

The next day Shota travels over to Texas for Premier Wrestling Federation. His opponent here JJ Blake recently accomplished the Triple Crown feat in New Texas Pro Wrestling. That has Shota excited to know he is getting a strong opponent for sure.


GCW “THE ART OF WAR”, 03/09/2022
Grand Sports Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA

1. DDT Extreme Title & 6 Pack Of PBR – 2 Ring Ladder Scramble Match: Joey Janela (c) Vs Mike Bailey Vs Tony Deppen Vs Cole Radrick Vs Drago Kid Vs Gringo Loco Vs Dante Leon Vs Shane Mercer

Yeah this is nuts. Janela’s first Extreme Title defence in America will be in one of GCW’s craziest match stipulations. GCW loves Scramble matches. They are also doing their own Wargames match this weekend so will have two rings set up beside each other. Add in ladders along with a Pabst Blue Ribbon sponsorship and you got yourselves a 2 Ring Ladder Scramble Match! That’s not all, Janela is putting himself up against an entire deck full of wild cards. Mike Bailey needs no introduction, Tony Deppen can be unpredictable at times, Cole Radrick is becoming more of a deathmatch wrestler as the months go by, Drago Kid blew everyone’s minds in his previous GCW appearances, Gringo Loco has built up the reputation of being one of the best bases currently on the indies, Dante Leon is the kind of guy who benefits from that and Shane Mercer is an absolute powerhouse who leaves destruction in his wake.


JCW “UNCENSORED”, 10/09/2022
Boonton Elks Lodge, Boonton, New Jersey, USA

1. DDT Extreme Title – Bodyslam Challenge: Joey Janela (c) Vs Beastman

If Janela can somehow crawl out of the chaos mentioned above, he will put the title on the line next against Beastman on a JCW show. The stipulation here is a lot more basic. First wrestler to Body Slam their opponent wins. Beastman has the size advantage in this one.


ROW “TEXAS GOLD RUSH”, 10/09/2022
Booker T World Gym Arena, Texas City, Texas, USA

1. Shota Vs Ayden Cristiano

Shota’s heading back over to Reality Of Wrestling. This time around his opponent is “The Madman From Madrid” Ayden Cristiano.


NEW “YEAR ONE ANNIVERSARY”, 16/09/2022
Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, Canada

1. Maki Itoh Vs Gisele Shaw

Canada prepare yourselves for Maki Itoh. She will wrestle for the first time on Canadian soil for Nation Extreme Wrestling. Her opponent is Gisele Shaw who is coming in as a replacement for Chelsea Green due to scheduling conflicts with the latter. Shaw wrestle twice for TJPW in 2019 including the match to crown the first ever IP Champion. This will be her first in-ring meeting with Itoh.


PRESTIGE “PERSEVERANCE”, 17/09/2022
The Glass House, Pomona, USA

1. Maki Itoh Vs Sandra Moone
2. Trish Adora Vs Miyu Yamashita

I said it last month that Miyu Yamashita against somebody like Trish Adora would be an attention grabber. There you go.


MISSION PRO “Welcome To The Jungle”, 17/09/2022
Salvation Army Mission Corps, San Antonio, Texas, USA

1. Shota Vs JP Harlow

Mission Pro is Thunder Rosa’s promotion, right? Shota’s just ticking off all of the Texas companies from the get go. If he wasn’t going to bump into JP Harlow at ROW it was only a matter of time he would find him here I guess.


FRONTLINE PRO “A NIGHT FOR TYLER V”, 24/09/2022
Bakerville Bar And Grill, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA

1. Shota Vs Ragnar The Ruthless

One week later Shota heads to Wisconsin for Frontline Pro. For fuck sake lads I have to trawl through Facebook to find out what this is and where Ragnar The Ruthless comes from.


PROGRESS “CHAPTER 142: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN SNAKE”, 25/09/2022
O2 Academy, Birmingham, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X
2. Shigehiro Irie Vs X

Shigehiro Irie will be at Progress the same weekend CDK are there.


PROGRESS “RETURN OF THE FLY”, 27/09/2022
The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England

1. Shigehiro Irie Vs X
2. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X

Let’s include Irie here too.


MDRN NMD “I SPELL F-L-Y”, 29/09/2022
The Bread Shed, Grosvenor St. , Manchester, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs LK Mezinger & Splits McPins
2. Shigehiro Irie Vs Dan Moloney

Before the entire UK scene fell apart there was a little series of shows called Tuesday Night Graps put together by a group of wrestlers including Chris Brookes. After the pandemic the shows came back under a new group called Modern Nomad Pro Wrestling and this time there’s no need to run shows every Tuesday. Is Masahiro Takanashi into bowling because CDK takes on Bowl-A-Rama in tag team action. Irie gets to take on Dan Moloney in a superfight.


WXW “INNER CIRCLE”, 30/09/2022
wXw Wrestling Academy, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

1. Masha Slamovich Vs Fuminori Abe

The day before the World Tag Team Festival tournament begins, wXw will be holding a smaller scale show inside their wrestling school. They are always a good appetizer to start their big international weekends with some unique matches put together. Like this one here, Fuminori Abe being thrown into the ring against Masha Slamovich!


WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2022”, 01/10/2022 – 03/10/2022
Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2022: Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie Vs X
2. World Tag Team Festival 2022: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X

We just have to wait and see how both CDK and Abe & Irie will do in the tournament.


EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM V”, 13/11/2022
229 The Venue, London, England

1. Hyper Misao Vs X

Yeah so this was announced back in July and I completely forgot about it until now. Whoops. Hyper Misao’s going to England!


PW REVOLUTION/WEST COAST PRO “KING OF INDIES 2022”, 19/11/2022
United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, California, USA

1. King Of Indies 2022: Konosuke Takeshita Vs X

There is a tournament in the American independents that holds almost a mythical reputation even if it does not attract the attention of wrestling fans the same way Battle Of Los Angeles, Tournament Of Death or King Of Trios all used to. The King Of Indies tournament originated in the early 2000s with All Pro Wrestling as the hosts. The 2001 edition is well known as being an inspiration towards the creation of Ring Of Honor. The tournament was revived in 2018 with Pro Wrestling Revolution taking the reigns and this year Takeshita gets to add his name to the tournament’s history book. He won’t be the only Japanese participant because Naomichi Marufuji from NOAH will be there along with SB Kento and La Estrella from DRAGONGATE.

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Beer Garden Opening Early, Full Nelson Buster, Ishida Joins Harimao, Several Anniversary Celebrations

August 25, 2022

DDT “NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER GARDEN PRO WRESTLING”, 26/08/2022
Tokyo Ueno Park Amphitheater

0. Dark Match: MJ Paul & KANON Vs Hideki Okatani & Takeshi Masada
1. Bring Your Own Weapons Falls Count Anywhere 8-Man Tag Match: Sanshiro Takagi, Toru Owashi, Kazuki Hirata & Soma Takao Vs Yuji Hino, Yukio Naya, Yuki Ishida & Ilusion
2. Drunk 3 Way Match: Masahiro Takanashi Vs HARASHIMA Vs Yukio Sakaguchi
3. Special Single Match: Daisuke Sasaki Vs El Unicorn
4. The Scariest In History! Shin Numabukuro Ghost Story 3 Way Tag Death Match: Akito & Makoto Oishi Vs Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Antonio Honda & Saki Akai (Ghost Story Artist: Hisaya Imabayashi)
5. BURNING Vs The 37KAMIINA!: Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs MAO, Shunma Katsumata & Toi Kojima
6. Beer Garden Specialty Customer Lottery 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Tetsuya Endo, Konosuke Takeshita, Naomi Yoshimura, Yuki Ueno, Chris Brookes

The opening time for the venue was pushed forward by 30 minutes so DDT is changing the match order around a little bit. The original opening match is now a dark match. The show will begin properly at the regular time as advertised.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW PERFECTION”, 27/08/2022
Tokyo Ryogoku KFC Hall

1. 3 Way Match: Mizuki Vs Hyper Misao Vs Yuki Aino
2. Maki Itoh & Moka Miyamoto Vs Yuki Kamifuku & Mahiro Kiryu
3. Rika Tatsumi & Haruna Neko Vs Hikari Noa & Nao Kakuta
4. Yuka Sakazaki Vs Raku
5. Miyu Yamashita Vs Pom Harajuku
6. Shoko Nakajima & Miu Watanabe Vs Suzume & Arisu Endo

Kaya Toribami’s absence from Tokyo Joshi Pro shows due to a scheduling conflict will continue until after the 4th September show in Nagoya.

GANBARE☆PRO “TOKOROZAWA PARK TOWN SHOPPING STREET 2022”, 27/08/2022
Saitama Tokorozawa Park Town Shopping Street Special

1. GanJo Special 6-Woman Tag Match In Park Town Shopping District: Yuna Manase, Kakeru Sekiguchi & Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Cherry, Moeka Haruhi & HARUKAZE
2. Eternal Rebellious Period And Late Rebellious Period vs Ishii’s Allied Tag Team: Yumehito Imanari & Tyson Maeguchi Vs Gota Ihashi & Kouki Iwasaki
3. ROMANCE DAWN Vs Super Beast Of The World & Hentai Of Toyama: Shota & Soma Takao Vs Aja Kong & Shinichiro Tominaga
4. Fresh Ariyama Presents Special 6-Man Tag Match: Ken Ohka, Shuichiro Katsumura & Keisuke Ishii Vs Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Mizuki Watase & SAGAT

YuuRI suffered a left hand injury at the last Ganbare☆Pro show. She hasn’t recovered from it yet so will miss this show. Cherry takes her spot.

GANBARE☆PRO “PUNCH DRUNK LOVE 2022”, 03/09/2022
Tokyo Narimasu Act Hall

1. GanPro Vs MAKAI: Keisuke Ishii Vs Yuki Kanzaki
2. GanJo Special Tag Match: Yuna Manase & YuuRI Vs Moeka Haruhi & Yoshiko Hasegawa
3. GanPro Special 6-Man Tag Match: Ken Ohka, Shuichiro Katsumura & Kouki Iwasaki Vs Soma Takao, Shinichiro Tominaga & Jun Masaoka
4. Hardcore Mixed Tag Match: Shigehiro Irie & Akane Fujita Vs Mizuki Watase & HARUKAZE
5. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Yumehito Imanari (c) Vs Hartley Jackson

Harcore Mixed Tag Matches are back in Ganpro. Mizuki Watase & HARUKAZE are still developing their manzai inspired tag team. They decided to name their team Full Nelson Buster. Will either of them use the move against Shigehiro Irie or Akane Fujita?

Yuki Kanzaki was originally an indie wrestler who turned into an All Japan trainee around 2017. However his official debut never took place due to hematoma and he left the company. After a year of recovery he became a stage actor and performed for MAKAI, eventually becoming affiliated with the project. He returned to pro wrestling in November of last year and spends time juggling between both roles.

DDT “JAPAN BAKERY MARKETING PRESENTS KONOSUKE TAKESHITA 10TH ANNIVERSARY ~NISHINARI BAY BLUES~”, 10/09/2022
Osaka Nishinari Kumin Center

1. MJ Paul & KANON Vs Hideki Okatani & Takeshi Masada
2. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Staggered Entre Battle Royal: Toru Owashi (c) Vs Yuki “Sexy” Iino Vs Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari Vs Yusuke Okada Vs Yuya Koroku Vs Akito Vs Makoto Oishi Vs Soma Takao Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Saki Akai Vs Yuki Ishida Vs Ilusion Vs El Unicorn
3. Yasu Urano, Antonio Honda & Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi Vs Masahiro Takanashi, Super Sasadango Machine & X
4. The 37KAMIINA Vs Brahmin Brothers: MAO, Shunma Katsumata & Toi Kojima Vs Brahman Shu, Brahman Kei & Brahman Sanshiro
5. Tokyo Joshi Pro 3 Way Tag Offer Match: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao Vs Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki Vs Miu Watanabe & Arisu Endo
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi, Naomi Yoshimura & Yukio Naya Vs Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama & Yuji Hino
7. Nobuyuki Onizawa’s Ochakan Radio Presents Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Yukio Sakaguchi Vs HARASHIMA & Shinya Aoki
8. Japan Bakery Marketing Co., Ltd. Presents Special Single Match: Konosuke Takeshita Vs Daisuke Sasaki
9. Special Tag Match ~ Sakuya Konohana Tag Vs CCK!: Konosuke Takeshita & Yuki Ueno Vs Chris Brookes & Kid Lykos

It’s a special show for Konosuke Takeshita so not only is he getting two matches, he wants to do them back to back!

DDT “WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2022 TOUR IS ASAKUSA”, 13/09/2022
Tokyo Asakusa Hanayashi Theater

0. Dark Match ~ Nariagari Offer Match: Tawaramachi Kid Jr. & Super Nikuyaki Machine Vs Sumo Ninja Kyu & Tadaki Toronomi
1. 3 Way Tag Match: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Sanshiro Takagi & Akito Vs Yukio Sakaguchi & Kazuki Hirata
2. Asakusa Specialty Special Tag Match: MAO & Shunma Katsumata Vs Makoto Oishi & Yoshihiko
3. Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama & Yusuke Okada Vs HARASHIMA, Toru Owashi & Yukio Naya
4. Harimao Vs The 37KAMIINA!: Kazusada Higuchi, Naomi Yoshimura & Yuki Ishida Vs Konosuke Takeshita, Yuki Ueno & Toi Kojima

Harimao has suddenly gone from tag team to a unit. Yuki Ishida asked to join them after yesterday’s show and he was accepted by both Kazusada Higuchi & Naomi Yoshimura. The three have teamed together before in 6-Man Tag Matches but now they’re going to do so as a united force.

DDT “STERNNESS 30TH ANNIVERSARY ~JUN AKIYAMA 30TH ANNIVERSARY~”, 18/09/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Yusuke Okada Vs Yuya Koroku
2. Naomi Yoshimura Vs Takeshi Masada
3. Jun Akiyama Debut 30th Anniversary Match – Special 6-Man Tag Match: Jun Akiyama, Tetsuya Endo & Yoshinobu Kanemaru Vs Yuji Nagata, Konosuke Takeshita & Shunma Katsumata

30 years ago Jun Akiyama made his debut match against Kenta Kobashi in the semi-main event of an All Japan show in Korakuen Hall. That he is giving Takeshi Masada the same opportunity shows how much he has high hopes for the rookie.

Akiyama also thinks the opening match is important because it gets the audience excited for the rest of the show. That is why he is sticking Yusuke Okada in that spot with Yuya Koroku.

Cara Noir being on this show makes me wonder who Akiyama would book him against?

DDT “DRAMATIC DREAMS! VOL. 9 ~NO CLOUDS OVER THE MOON~”, 10/10/2022
Osaka Higashinari Ward Community Center

1. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~Smile Squash Vs DAMNATION T.A~: HARASHIMA, Yasu Urano & Akito Vs Minoru Fujita, MJ Paul & KANON
2. Special Tag Match Sterness Siege ~Men Of Ice Vs Men Of Melting Ice~: Jun Akiyama & Antonio Honda Vs Kuishinbo Kamen & Kikutaro
3. Special Single Match ~Road Of Former Champions~: Tetsuya Endo Vs Masahiro Takanashi

The former KO-D Openweight Champion and former DDT Universal Champion collide on Yukinori Matsui’s annual Osaka show. Matsui is also sticking Akiyama in with the jokers and bringing back Smile Squash for one night only.

Shuji Ishikawa and Harutoki will both be on the show. Harutoki is from Dotonbori Pro.

DDT “GET ALIVE 2022”, 12/10/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Yuki Ishida 1st Anniversary Match: Yuki Ishida Vs X
2. Makoto Oishi 20th Anniversary Match: Makoto Oishi Vs X

Ishida will be celebrating the one year anniversary of his debut match on the same show as Makoto Oishi celebrating his 20th anniversary in wrestling. Oishi has made requests for his match and is looking forward to announcing it next week. Ishida is confused why his one year anniversary is being treated as just as much a big deal but he hopes people come to see it.

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GANBARE☆PRO “ULTRA SOUL 2022” Results

August 13, 2022

GANBARE☆PRO “ULTRA SOUL 2022”, 13/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
313 Fans

1. Yoshiko Hasegawa Re-Debut Match: Moeka Haruhi & YuuRI defeated Yuna Manase & Yoshiko Hasegawa when Haruhi submitted Hasegawa with the 79.5MHz (14:07).
2. Black Ships Attack! Non-Standard Tag Vs Tenori Drunkers: Hartley Jackson & Max The Impaler defeated Mizuki Watase & Tyson Maeguchi when Jackson pinned Maeguchi with the Jumping Piledriver (11:02).
3. HARUKAZE 5th Anniversary Match: Makoto defeated HARUKAZE with the Seien no Uneri (10:02)
4. ROMANCE DAWN for the new world: Soma Takao defeated Shota with the Gin And Tonic (11:21).
5. Tatsuhito Takaiwa 30th Anniversary Match: Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Ken Ohka & Shuichiro Katsumura defeated Keisuke Ishii, Kouki Iwasaki & Shinichiro Tominaga when Takaiwa pinned Tominaga with the Death Valley Bomb (12:59).
6. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Yumehito Imanari (c) defeated Shigehiro Irie with a Sleeper Hold (27:44).
*V2 for Yumehito Imanari.

Quite possibly Ganbare☆Pro’s match of the year took place in the main event. Yumehito Imanari wanted to earn Shigehiro Irie’s respect the hard way and by God he definitely did in the end. For almost half an hour the two beat the hell out of each other as hard as they could. Irie gave Imanari a Piledriver on the floor, a Cannonball Attack into Imanari’s spine while he was leaning on the ropes as well as Beast Bombers and heavy Elbow Strikes. Imanari kept his resolve by hitting his own Lariats as well as getting nearfalls with the Tiger Driver and Lou Thesz Press. When all else failed, Imanari locked in a Sleeper Hold and would not let go no matter how hard Irie fought. The Back Flip looked like it would free him but Imanari took the blow and reapplied the hold, forcing Irie to finally give up.

An exhausted Imanari thanked Irie after the match but his next challenger then immediately stepped forward. Hartley Jackson stepped into the ring and praised Imanari for becoming the soul of Ganpro. However Hartley thinks it is now his time to be in the spotlight and he challenged Imanari for the Spirit Of Ganbare Title. When he left, Ken Ohka complained about not understanding English at all. He congratulated Imanari and promoted Ganpro’s next show in Korakuen Hall taking place this December. Imanari had to be helped out of the ring so the rest of the roster closed out the show without him. Backstage Hartley said sometimes in life you have to be the bad guy to get what you want. He does not mind being the bad guy in order to get that championship.

Ganpro got to host Tatsuhito Takaiwa’s 30th Anniversary Match with a large chunk of the roster also involved. Takaiwa got to spend in-ring time against previous opponents Kouki Iwasaki and Shuichiro Katsumura. But it is Keisuke Ishii in particular he was most interested in because they’ve not had a singles match against each other yet. He told the audience he still has 35 or 40 years left in his career so don’t call him a legend yet. He is still aiming to reach the top as a mid-level wrestler. Both Ohka and Shuichiro Katsumura said they were honored to team with him for the special occasion.

The two wrestlers making up ROMANCE DAWN fought each other as they are about to go their separate ways. Shota will be moving to America soon so he took on Soma Takao as part of his farewell series of matches in Ganpro. Takao kicked out of the Gannosuke Clutch and won with the Gin And Tonic. Backstage Shota said a new chapter is beginning for both of them. Takao agreed and added that the team is not breaking up. Their friendship will never disappear and some day they will reunite for another romantic battle as a team.

For a match this important, HARUKAZE went all out against Makoto. Unfortunately her best was not good enough and Makoto got the better of her in the end. Afterwards Makoto said she is really happy that HARUKAZE nominated her for her 5th Anniversary match. In return HARUKAZE thanked her for being the impetus for her return to wrestling five years ago. She wants to continue wrestling and also wants to fight Makoto again in the future.

Jackson showed how much of a dominant force he is along with Max The Impaler earlier in the show. Together the two of them defeated Mizuki Watase & Tyson Maeguchi. Jackson got the pin on Maeguchi and he bragged about destroying Ganpro’s spirit. Watase was so amazed by the power of his opponents today that he is inspired to follow them back to America. He thinks it is a waste if today was the only time he could fight them.

The re-debut of Yoshiko Hasegawa saw the newest signing of Ganbare☆Joshi team up with Yuna Manase to take on Moeka Haruhi & YuuRI. Just because Hasegawa’s return was a cause for celebration did not mean her opponents would go easy on her. Instead she was put through a tough fight that ended with Haruhi making her submit. Once the match was over though, Haruhi was much nicer and had plenty of advice to give. She told Hasegawa that Ganpro is about doing your best in every single match. It is about always trying harder to surpass yourself. And it is about being a pro wrestler that people cannot take their eyes off. Hasegawa said she will become stronger and promised to aim for the top of the Ganjo division. Backstage Manase said her ring boots were damaged so she had to borrow Ken Ohka’s boots for the match. In a way that meant the two of them were fighting together to carry Ganpro! That was her lesson she wanted Hasegawa to learn today.

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Max The Impaler Invades Tokyo Sports, Takeshi Masada Ready For Debut

August 12, 2022

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 13/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Shoko Nakajima Vs Kaya Toribami
2. Hikari Noa & Nao Kakuta Vs Yuki Aino & Raku
3. Arisu Endo Vs Mei Suruga
4. 3 Way Match: Rika Tatsumi Vs Mizuki Vs Hyper Misao
5. Pom Harajuku Vs Max The Impaler
6. Saki Akai, Yuki Arai & Moka Miyamoto Vs Yuki Kamifuku, Mahiro Kiryu & Haruna Neko
7. Tokyo Princess Cup – Semi Final: Yuka Sakazaki Vs Suzume
8. Tokyo Princess Cup – Semi Final: Miyu Yamashita Vs Miu Watanabe

Max The Impaler has arrived in Japan and went on a rampage inside the Tokyo Sports offices. Max stormed into the building during the early afternoon in search of Pom Harajuku. When they could not find her, they instead took one of the female employees hostage. Max also stole some gyoza dumplings in the office kitchen before escaping with their hostage. After Max left, Tetsuya Koda got in touch with Tokyo Sports explaining he sent a great foreign wrestler over for a promotional interview and wanted to know how it went? When staff explained what happened, Koda came to the conclusion he misunderstood the meaning of the word “great” when it is applied to Max. He went to retrieve the employee from Max and safely returned her to the office. The bag of dumplings however was empty when he found it.

Meanwhile the rest of the Tokyo Joshi Pro roster are spending the day sharing their fondest memories of Pom Harajuku, fully expecting her to get destroyed by Max in the ring tomorrow.

GANBARE☆PRO “ULTRA SOUL 2022”, 13/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Yoshiko Hasegawa Re-Debut Match: Yuna Manase & Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Moeka Haruhi & YuuRI
2. Black Ships Attack! Non-Standard Tag Vs Tenori Drunkers: Hartley Jackson & Max The Impaler Vs Mizuki Watase & Tyson Maeguchi
3. HARUKAZE 5th Anniversary Match: HARUKAZE Vs Makoto
4. ROMANCE DAWN for the new world: Shota Vs Soma Takao
5. Tatsuhito Takaiwa 30th Anniversary Match: Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Ken Ohka & Shuichiro Katsumura Vs Keisuke Ishii, Kouki Iwasaki & Shinichiro Tominaga
6. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Yumehito Imanari (c) Vs Shigehiro Irie

Can Yumehito Imanari overcome Shigehiro Irie and prove he deserves to hold the Spirit Of Ganbare Title? How will Tatsuhito Takaiwa’s Anniversary match go with everyone else being from Ganbare☆Pro? Will emotions go overboard when ROMANCE DAWN fight each other? Where will HARUKAZE go next as she reaches her 5th year in wrestling? Is Max The Impaler going to kidnap Mizuki Watase too? What is Yoshiko Hasegawa going to be like after such a long time away from the ring?

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 14/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tokyo Princess Cup – Final: X Vs X

The brand new Tokyo Princess Cup trophy is completed and arrived at the CyberFight offices during the week. It will be rewarded to the winner of the tournament on Sunday.

DDT “ROAD TO PETER PAN 2022 IN KORAKUEN ~LET’S SHOUT!~”, 14/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Yuki “Sexy” Iino, Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno & X (w/ Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari) Vs Sanshiro Takagi, Toru Owashi & Soma Takao
2. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & KANON Vs Yukio Sakaguchi, MAO & Yuki Ishida
3. Takeshi Masada Debut Match: HARASHIMA Vs Takeshi Masada
4. Right To Challenge Anytime, Anywhere Battle Royal: Yuji Hino Vs Chris Brookes Vs Shinya Aoki Vs Shunma Katsumata Vs Makoto Oishi Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Yusuke Okada Vs Yukio Naya Vs Hideki Okatani Vs Yuya Koroku
5. Special Single Match: Asuka Vs Saki Akai
6. Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda Vs Yuki Ueno & Toi Kojima
7. DDT Extreme Title – Fluorescent Lighttube IPPON Death Match: Akito (c) Vs Joey Janela
8. Road To WRESTLE PETER PAN 2022! Special Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi & Naomi Yoshimura Vs Tetsuya Endo & Jun Akiyama

The debuting Takeshi Masada says he wants to leave an impact in his first match so DDT fans will remember him. He discovered pro wrestling back in junior high school when his brother showed him a Youtube video of Kota Ibushi. He already knew about pro wrestling from the Showa era but never knew how spectacular it could be until he saw that video. He took up Shorinji Kempo because his high school did not have a wrestling club. His desire to become a pro wrestler became so strong he quit the Shorinji Kempo club and applied for the DDTeeeen!! project. The pandemic cancelled those plans until he talked to Makoto Oishi at a DDT show in Osaka and applied for DDT’s proper dojo. He’s never been an honor student of any sort so he is confused that he is already debuting after only three months of training. In the future Masada wants to do street wrestling matches in his hometown and at his university campus whenever he goes back to college.

Joey Janela has also arrived safely in Japan, ready to take on Akito for the DDT Extreme Title.

BASARA/DOVE PRO “R.E.S.P.E.C.T”, 25/08/2022
Shinjuku FACE

1. Union MAX Title: Isami Kodaka (c) Vs Gunso

The annual summer tradition of BASARA Vs Dove Pro is back once again. This will be the second year in a row both promotions are working together for a show under the “R.E.S.P.E.C.T” name. The two figureheads of BASARA and Dove face off in the main event. Isami Kodaka puts the Union MAX Title on the line against Gunso!

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DDT Around The World – July 2022

August 2, 2022

The summer is winding down and it’s been a whirlwind of international appearances for Konosuke Takeshita and Miyu Yamashita in particular. Things might calm down a little going into the Autumn when Takeshita returns home to Japan for DDT. His plan is to go back for just under two months before continuing his excursion. He is definitely falling in love with America and wants to make the country his second home. But as you will see in the upcoming appearances section below there is a whole wide world out there to explore.

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Videos


RCW “MIYUMAMI”, 02/07/2022
Casinet d’Hostafrancs, Barcelona, Spain

1. Miyu Yamashita Vs Alex Windsor


Video starts at 20:34 for the match
AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 04/07/2022
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan, USA

1. Hikaru Shida & Yuka Sakazaki Vs Heather Reckless & Laynie Luck


AEW “RAMPAGE”, 08/07/2022
Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, New York, USA

1. Eddie Kingston Vs Konosuke Takeshita


Video starts at 2:46:15 for the match
JCW “THE GREAT AMERICAN BIRTHDAY BASH”, 10/07/2022
Phil Sheridan Building, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Cole Radrick


AEW “DYNAMITE”, 13/07/2022
Enmarket Arena, Savannah, Georgia, USA

1. Interim AEW World Title Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley Vs Konosuke Takeshita


PRESTIGE “NONSTOP FEELING”, 22/07/2022
Hawthorne Theater, Portland, Oregon, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Kevin Blackwood

GARDEN STATE PRO “WELCOME TO EDEN”, 23/07/2022
The Heart Ballroom, Newark, USA


1. 3 Way Match: Billie Starkz Vs Miyu Yamashita Vs Janai Kai


2. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Josh Alexander


Video starts at 47:53 for the match
AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 25/07/2022
Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs JD Drake


AEW “DYNAMITE ~ FIGHT FOR THE FALLEN”, 27/07/2022
DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

1. AEW Women’s World Title: Thunder Rosa (c) Vs Miyu Yamashita


Video starts at 54:10 for Match #1. Go to 1:45:55 for Match #2
SETUP “SETUP EP.8”, 30/07/2022
The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand

1. Hoshitango Vs Bital Hasdin
2. Asia Dream Tag Team Titles: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi (c) Vs Terry Diesel & Monomoth

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Results

RCW “MIYUMAMI”, 02/07/2022
Casinet d’Hostafrancs, Barcelona, Spain

1. Miyu Yamashita defeated Alex Windsor with the Skull Kick (15:28).

We start off in Spain where Yamashita travelled over to wrestle for RCW. She was the big draw of the show with the event’s name being a combination of her and the album “Motomami” by Rosalía. She took on Alex Windsor a week before Windsor went on to win the International Princess Title over in Japan.

PWG “NINETEEN”, 03/07/2022
Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA

1. Yuka Sakazaki defeated Masha Slamovich (9:22).
2. PWG World Title: Daniel Garcia (c) defeated Konosuke Takeshita (23:19).
*V1 for Daniel Garcia.

July turned out to be a rocky patch for Takeshita in the win-loss department. He got to fight for the PWG World Title against Daniel Garcia but couldn’t win the belt from him. Yuka Sakazaki had a better night, winning the first women’s match held in PWG in over a decade against Masha Slamovich. She left quite the impression on everyone for sure.

AEW “RAMPAGE”, 06/07/2022 (Aired 08/07/2022)
Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, New York, USA

1. Eddie Kingston defeated Konosuke Takeshita with the Spinning Backfist (11:56).

Eddie Kingston made it no secret his dream is to wrestle Jun Akiyama some day. Akiyama passed down the Jumping Knee Strike to Takeshita so this match brought Kingston one little step forward toward that goal. The two smashed each other to bits and both were practically done by the time the match was over. It could have ended in a double knockout had Kingston not fallen on top of Takeshita to get the pin.

JCW “THE GREAT AMERICAN BIRTHDAY BASH”, 10/07/2022
Phil Sheridan Building, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Cole Radrick with the Zahi (15:19).

Takeshita and Cole Radrick finally wrestling each other is like when two pen pals meet in person for the first time. To think it all started when Takeshita used Radrick’s move the Lil Sebastian’s Curse 3 years ago.

AEW “DYNAMITE”, 13/07/2022
Enmarket Arena, Savannah, Georgia, USA

1. Interim AEW World Title Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley defeated Konosuke Takeshita with the Bulldog Choke (13:13).

Takeshita’s biggest match in America so far took place in AEW when he took on one of their biggest stars Jon Moxley! It was a non-title match but a win would have catapulted Takeshita into an automatic shot for the Interim AEW World Title. Unfortunately despite another heavily praised performance, Takeshita ended up submitting to the Bully Choke. It was at this point when Takeshita realised he has not won an AEW match on Dynamite or Rampage yet. He made it his next goal to get “one big win” on TV.

DEFY “THE WORLD IS YOURS NIGHT 1”, 16/07/2022
Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Davey Richards (12:33).

Next stop was Seattle for a DEFY doubleshot. In the main event of Night 1 Takeshita beat the veteran journeyman of the indies Davey Richards.

DEFY “THE WORLD IS YOURS NIGHT 2”, 17/07/2022
Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Schaff (10:34).

Then on the second night Takeshita beat Schaff. I’m really low on details about what happened on the DEFY shows at the moment so let’s move on.

AEW “DARK ELEVATION”, 20/07/2022 (Aired 25/07/2022)
Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated JD Drake with the Jumping Knee Strike (3:40).

Takeshita has no problem picking up wins on AEW’s Youtube shows. He beat JD Drake in the main event of an episode of Dark Elevation.

TERMINUS “TERMINUS 3”, 21/07/2022
Oasis Event Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

1. Jonathan Gresham defeated Konosuke Takeshita by Referee Stoppage with the Modified Octopus Hold (14:55).

Takeshita paid a visit to TERMINUS, the promotion that Jonathan Gresham had been championing while Ring Of Honor was in limbo. The match almost lasted the full 15 minute time limit but the last minute and a half consisted of Gresham locking Takeshita in an Octopus Hold and then finding more ways to torture him. The referee finally called for the bell in the last few seconds, giving Gresham the win. But Takeshita never gave up and even threw an Elbow Strike while in a dazed state right after Gresham let him go. This would not be the last time they were in the ring together this month.

PRESTIGE “NONSTOP FEELING”, 22/07/2022
Hawthorne Theater, Portland, Oregon, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kevin Blackwood with the Lil Sebastian’s Curse (16:55).

Here is where Takeshita started to develop something different. Kevin Blackwood is a pretty tough dude and showed his guts by taking everything Takeshita could throw at him and still kick out of his pins. Takeshita ended up using Radrick’s move the Lil Sebastian’s Curse to finally get the win. Fans want Takeshita to name his version of the move Cinnabomb but he likes the name that Radrick originally gave it.

GARDEN STATE PRO “WELCOME TO EDEN”, 23/07/2022
The Heart Ballroom, Newark, USA

1. 3 Way Match: Miyu Yamashita defeated Billie Starkz and Janai Kai when Yamashita pinned Starkz with the Skull Kick (6:53).
2. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Josh Alexander ended in a Time Limit Draw (20:00).

Takeshita did end up getting into a time limit draw against Josh Alexander. It was a non-title match but he left holding his head up high over going the distance against the Impact World Champion. Yamashita was thrown into a hectic 3 Way Match against Billie Starkz and Janai Kai. Those young wrestlers have become two of the more familiar names in women’s wrestling on the American indies. The chaos worked out in Yamashita’s favour when Starkz unintentionally knocked Kai out of the ring, leaving her open for the deadly Skull Kick.

AEW “DYNAMITE ~ FIGHT FOR THE FALLEN”, 27/07/2022
DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

1. AEW Women’s World Title: Thunder Rosa (c) defeated Miyu Yamashita with the Fire Thunder Driver (10:02).
*V5 for Thunder Rosa.

The big reason for Yamashita’s return to America was for this. A shot at the AEW Women’s World Title she earned from beating Thunder Rosa in Tokyo Joshi Pro earlier in the month. The late part of the rematch almost became a mirror of the TJPW bout with the Attitude Adjustment being countered into a Cradle only to get reversed into another one. This time however Rosa kicked out and caught Yamashita with her own High Kick. Rosa then hit her version of the Fire Thunder Driver to avenge the loss and successfully defend the title. Unfortunately it wasn’t a great match. They weren’t on the same page in the first half and although they got back in track with Yamashita’s German Suplex spot, the rest of the match was pretty much a repeat of what they did in TJPW.

BLACK LABEL PRO “THE GANG CROSSES THE LINE”, 29/07/2022
Nashville Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Nick Wayne with the Lil Sebastian’s Curse (12:40).

Takeshita ended his month over at the Starrcast convention for two matches. The first took place in Black Label Pro against the highly regarded youngster Nick Wayne. Even though Takeshita won, he was so impressed by Wayne that he passed down his nickname of “The Future” to him!

SETUP “SETUP EP.8”, 30/07/2022
The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand

1. Hoshitango defeated Bital Hasdin with the Midnight Buenos Aires (8:34).
2. Asia Dream Tag Team Titles: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi (c) defeated Terry Diesel & Monomoth when Brookes pinned Monomoth after the Super Kick & Praying Mantis Bomb (23:40).
*V4 for CDK.

Time to go a completely different direction over to Thailand where CDK went off on an adventure. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi were part of a Gatoh Move related group of wrestlers taking part in a SETUP show. CDK successfully defended the Asia Dream Tag Team Titles against two of SETUP’s best in Terry Diesel & Monomoth. Also taking part was Hoshitango. He gave the local super rookie Bital Hasdin his first loss in pro wrestling. There was even a DJ Nira sighting at some point during the show.

JCP “RIC FLAIR’S LAST MATCH”, 31/07/2022
Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

1. PROGRESS World Title #1 Contender – 4 Way Match: Jonathan Gresham defeated Alan Angels, Nick Wayne and Konosuke Takeshita when Gresham pinned Angels with an O’Connor Roll (5:40).

Takeshita was added to the undercard of Ric Flair’s dedicated attempt at turning the final scene of “The Wrestler” into reality. He took part in a 4 Way with previous opponents Gresham and Wayne along with former AEW wrestler Alan Angels.

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Upcoming Appearances

AEW “BATTLE OF THE BELTS III”, 05/08/2022 (Airing 06/08/2022)
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

1. ROH World Title: Claudio Castagnoli (c) Vs Konosuke Takeshita

He couldn’t win the PWG Title so let’s go after the ROH World Title! Takeshita takes on Claudio Castagnoli himself in an absolute whopper of a match on paper. As mentioned above, Takeshita wants his first AEW win on TV to be a big one and this would fit the bill.

WIDE BAY PRO “RAMPAGE”, 06/08/2022
Maryborough State High School, Sussex Street, Maryborough, Australia

1. Interstate Title: Mitch Ryder (c) Vs Shota

Here’s an unexpected addition. Shota is gearing up for an American excursion in a few month’s time but this month he is heading over to Australia for a one-off appearance in Wide Bay Pro. He is going to challenge one of their champions Mitch Ryder (not the American one who died two years ago).

DPW “BELIEVE THE HYPE”, 06/08/2022
Gov. James E. Holshouser Building, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

1. Mizuki Vs Emi Sakura
2. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Andrew Everett

Back over to the maniac matchmaking of Deadlock Pro. On one of their recent shows Andrew Everett called out Takeshita for a match! If that isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, DPW somehow put together the rare matchup of Mizuki against Emi Sakura! It will be Mizuki’s first ever appearance in America and also Sakura’s first US booking outside of AEW ever since she worked with the company.

PROGRESS “CHAPTER 137: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – COPPERHEAD”, 13/08/2022
O2 Academy, Sheffield, England

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Robbie X

Robbie X is a journeyman of the British wrestling scene who seems to be finally breaking through and climbing up the ladder. He is Takeshita’s first opponent when he travels over to England.

GCW “HOMECOMING PART 1”, 13/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Maki Itoh Vs X

That Itoh’s first GCW match hasn’t been announced yet makes me think she’ll be added to a Scramble 6 Way. She’ll have a busy day nonetheless.

JCW “AFTER HOURS 2”, 13/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Maki Itoh Vs Billie Starkz

GCW’s sister promotion JCW will be running a show in the same venue afterwards. Itoh is taking part by having a match against Starkz. She got along well with Yamashita. If Itoh takes a liking to her too then maybe a tour of Japan is in Starkz’s future. It will do her a world of good if she ever wants to develop as a pro wrestler.

PROGRESS “CHAPTER 138: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – COTTONMOUTH”, 14/08/2022
Boiler Shop, Newcastle, England

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Dean Allmark

Dean Allmark is another longtime British wrestler going beyond the indie scene. He’s been through the infamous schedule of wrestling at summer camps across the country.

GCW “HOMECOMING PART 2”, 14/08/2022
The Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

1. Maki Itoh Vs Dark Sheik

Now here is someone with an attitude that Itoh will appreciate. “Fuck The Fans” is a motto that Dark Sheik lives by even though she is pretty cool towards her fanbase. Hoodslam is her home but she’s gotten comfy wrestling in GCW lately too.

PRESTIGE “PERSEVERANCE”, 17/09/2022
The Glass House, Pomona, USA

1. Miyu Yamashita Vs X
2. Maki Itoh Vs Sandra Moone

Yamashita & Itoh are heading back over to Prestige in September. Itoh has an opponent announced in the form of Sandra Moone. Yamashita is still waiting to hear who she will be against. Taya Valkyrie and Trish Adora are both advertised for the show. Either of them facing Yamashita would be an attention grabber. Just saying.

PROGRESS “CHAPTER 142: DEADLY VIPER TOUR – CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN SNAKE”, 25/09/2022
O2 Academy, Birmingham, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X

There’s some extra slightly DDT related news for this show. Shigehiro Irie is being booked for it.

PROGRESS “RETURN OF THE FLY”, 27/09/2022
The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England

1. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X

CDK have another PROGRESS show to go to. The naming of it seems to match Brookes’ interests too.

WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2022”, 01/10/2022 – 03/10/2022
Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2022: Fuminori Abe & Shigehiro Irie Vs X
2. World Tag Team Festival 2022: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Vs X

A couple more teams have been added to the World Tag Team Festival but nothing related to what I’m doing here. Probably going to stay that way until the tournament takes place.

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GANBARE☆PRO “CHUNGKING EXPRESS 2022” Results

July 30, 2022

GANBARE☆PRO “CHUNGKING EXPRESS 2022”, 30/07/2022
Osaka 176BOX
109 Fans

1. GanJo Special Single Match: Cherry defeated YuuRI with the Cherryton Bomb (9:28).
2. GanPro Specialty! Mixed 6-Man Tag Match: Shuichiro Katsumura, Tsuyoshi Okada & HARUKAZE defeated MAO, Tyson Maeguchi & Yuna Manase when Katsumura submitted Maeguchi with a Cross Armbreaker (11:32).
3. ROMANCE DAWN Vs DDT: Shota & Soma Takao defeated Shunma Katsumata & Yuki Ishida when Shota pinned Ishida with a Marumekomu (16:31).
4. GanPro Sanada Maru! Special Tag Match: Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie defeated Kazuaki Mihara & Kouki Iwasaki when Irie pinned Iwasaki with the Best Bomber (14:54).
5. GanPro Osaka Summer Team! Special Tag Match: Yumehito Imanari & Magnitude Kishiwada defeated Mizuki Watase & Shinichiro Tominaga when Imanari pinned Tominaga with the Lariat (18:17).

A missed Moonsault from Shinichiro Tominaga cost his team the match. He had a great chance to pin the Spirit Of Ganbare Champion but missing that move proved to be a fatal mistake. Yumehito Imanari took control and got a 2 count with a Tiger Driver. He then hit the Lariat to win. After the match Magnitude Kishiwada said he was skeptical of Ganbare☆Pro at first but now understands they have something pretty good going on (Ken Ohka being absent might have a little to do with it given what happened the last time Kishiwada appeared in Ganpro). He’ll take on any Ganpro wrestlers in a singles match whenever they want just as long as he doesn’t have to take responsibility for what he will do to them.

Imanari used those words of encouragement to call out Shigehiro Irie. He told Irie he is under tremendous pressure every day but still wants to fight the strongest like Irie with all of his feelings behind it. Irie said he is surprised Imanari wants this match because he kept avoiding him since their tag match at Korakuen Hall two years ago. He warned that by challenging him Imanari will lose his confidence, his championship and everything else on 13th August!

ROMANCE DAWN teased the DDT team of Shunma Katsumata & Yuki Ishida by doing The 37KAMIINA poses during their match. They continued after the match by making sauna references in their post-match interview backstage. Soma Takao said he will be sad to see Shota go on excursion because he does not know when he will come back. Shota said their singles match against each other on 13th August will be a romance only they can do.

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Princess Cup Continues, Irie Accepts Imanari’s Challenge, Shota’s Send Off, Naomi Kingdom Reunion Of Sorts

July 19, 2022

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 23/07/2022
Shinjuku FACE

1. 3 Way Match: Yuka Sakazaki Vs Mahiro Kiryu Vs Haruna Neko
2. Maki Itoh & Yuki Kamifuku Vs Yuki Aino & Raku
3. Hikari Noa & Nao Kakuta Vs Hyper Misao & Kaya Toribami
4. Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe Vs Moka Miyamoto & Arisu Endo
5. Tokyo Princess Cup – Round 2D: Pom Harajuku Vs Suzume
6. Tokyo Princess Cup – Round 2A: Shoko Nakajima Vs Mizuki

The remaining Tokyo Princess Cup 2nd Round matches take place here. Shoko Nakajima and Mizuki are the two names that have become most attached to success in the tournament so we are going to see a rare early elimination in the main event. Suzume versus Pom Harajuku is a first time singles match up between the two.

Miyu Yamashita will be in America during the same weekend as this show.

GANBARE☆PRO “CHUNGKING EXPRESS 2022”, 30/07/2022
Osaka 176BOX

1. GanPro Sanada Maru! Special Tag Match: Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie Vs Kazuaki Mihara & Kouki Iwasaki
2. ROMANCE DAWN Vs The 37KAMIINA: Shota & Soma Takao Vs Shunma Katsumata & Toi Kojima
3. GanPro Osaka Summer Team! Special Tag Match: Yumehito Imanari & Magnitude Kishiwada Vs Ken Ohka & Shinichiro Tominaga

Ganbare☆Pro visits Osaka so Yumehito Imanari can team with the region’s strongest pro wrestler Magnitude Kishiwada! He has a little bit of history with Ken Ohka. The last time he was in Ganpro was in 2018 where he faced Ohka one on one. Kishiwada won the match but Ohka convinced him to do an immediate rematch. Kishiwada won that too but Ohka again demanded another rematch to prove he could still fight over and over until he wins. Maybe that kind of fire will reappear here.

The 37KAMIINA are showing up in Ganpro and ROMANCE DAWN are waiting to meet them in the ring.

A challenge was thrown out by Kouki Iwasaki towards Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie. He wants a tag match against them and is bringing in his local buddy Kazuaki Mihara to be his partner.

Tsuyoshi Okada and Tyson Maeguchi will be on the show.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 31/07/2022
Tokyo Otemachi Mitsui Hall

1. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Miu Watanabe Vs Winner Of Match 2A
2. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Nao Kakuta Vs Miyu Yamashita
3. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Yuka Sakazaki Vs Hikari Noa
4. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Rika Tatsumi Vs Winner Of Match 2D

The field of eight is almost completed. The bracket gets mixed up after this point and the semi-final pairings will be decided via lottery at the end of the show.

GANBARE☆PRO “ULTRA SOUL 2022”, 13/08/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. ROMANCE DAWN for the new world: Shota Vs Soma Takao
2. Yoshiko Hasegawa Re-Debut Match: Yuna Manase & Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Moeka Haruhi & YuuRI
3. HARUKAZE 5th Anniversary Match: HARUKAZE Vs Makoto
4. Tatsuhito Takaiwa 30th Anniversary Match: Tatsuhito Takaiwa Vs X
5. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Yumehito Imanari (c) Vs Shigehiro Irie

A comment made in the past is motivating Imanari to prove his doubter wrong. When he was part of a main event in Korakuen Hall back in October 2020, Shigehiro Irie singled him out as the only person in the match underserving of that spot. Now that Imanari has the Spirit Of Ganbare Title, he wants to defend it against Irie in Korakuen to prove him wrong. Irie was surprised to hear the challenge because they haven’t crossed paths that often since that show almost two years ago. He is impressed with Imanari’s new found confidence but warns when you fight Irie, you will lose both your confidence and your championship!

Tatsuhito Takaiwa is celebrating his 30th year as a pro wrestler. His anniversary match has not been decided yet.

There is another wrestling anniversary being celebrated on the show, although it is a lot shorter than Takaiwa’s. Haruka Kato has been wrestling for over a decade but it is her alter ego HARUKAZE who recently reached the 5 year milestone. She asked Makoto to be her opponent for the special occasion. The reason is because after Kato left Stardom, Makoto was the first person to get her a booking despite having never known her previously. Ever since then Kato credits Makoto for keeping her in pro wrestling.

The re-debuting Yoshiko Hasegawa was born in Saitama on 28th February, 1987. She is 150cm tall and weighs 47kg. She originally wrestled for Actwres girl’Z from 2019 to 2020 until a neck injury took her out of action for almost the entirety of 2021. She officially left Actwres right at the end of last year and made her wrestling reappearance at “WRESTLE SEKIGAHARA” earlier this month, signing with Ganbare☆Pro.

Shota will be going on an American excursion this September with not concrete plan on when to return. He decided to take a massive gamble and see if he can make it from scratch as a pro wrestler in America until he is all out of options. He has connections over there but right now has nothing guaranteed for him once he makes the trip. Ganpro is giving him a send off match against his own ROMANCE DAWN partner Soma Takao.

DDT “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2022”, 20/08/2022
Tokyo Ota Ward Gymnasium

1. Shinichiro Kawamatsu Debut Match ~ Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Member Vs Bunkyo Ward Assembly Member: Shinichiro Kawamatsu, Sanshiro Takagi & Soma Takao Vs Osamu Nishimura, Makoto Oishi & Akito
2. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Naomi Yoshimura, Kota Umeda & Keisuke Okuda Vs HARASHIMA, Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani
3. Special Mixed Tag Match: Jun Akiyama & Saki Akai Vs Chris Brookes & Asuka
4. International Special Hardcore Match: Joey Janela Vs Shunma Katsumata
5. DDT 25th Anniversary Special 6-Man Tag Match: Dick Togo, Daisuke Sasaki & KANON (w/ MJ Paul) Vs Konosuke Takeshita, MAO & Yasu Urano
6. DDT Universal Title: Masahiro Takanashi (c) Vs X
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi (c) Vs X

For one night only Naomi Yoshimura is bringing together a DNA reunion! He asked DDT to give him a match teaming with Kota Umeda and Keisuke Okuda, saying long time fans will understand why. In DNA Yoshimura led a faction called the Naomi Kingdom. Okuda was a member of the unit and Umeda was their biggest rival. DDT agreed to Yoshimura’s request and gathered together a suitable trio of opponents. It’s Yoshimura’s old tag partner HARASHIMA as well as Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani from Eruption!

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