DDT “D-OH GRAND PRIX 2023 IN SHINJUKU DAY 1”, 02/12/2023 Shinjuku FACE 334 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Special 8-Man Tag Match: Jun Akiyama, Yuki Iino, Yusuke Okada & Rukiya defeated Yuki Ueno, Toy Kojima, Takeshi Masada & Kazuma Sumi when Okada pinned Sumi with the Sudden Death (9:57).
2. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: Chris Brookes (2) defeated KANON (2) with the Praying Mantis Bomb (9:27).
3. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: MAO (2) defeated Kazuki Hirata (0) with the Hurricane Kick (10:06).
4. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Soma Takao & Shota (c) defeated Toru Sugiura & Akito when Shota pinned Akito with the Gannosuke Clutch (10:46). *V2 for ROMANCE DAWN.
5. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – A Block: Kazusada Higuchi (2) defeated Daisuke Sasaki (0) with the Brain Claw (13:55).
6. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: Yukio Naya (4) defeated Rei Saito (2) with The World’s Best Back Drop (15:10).
7. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – A Block: HARASHIMA (2) defeated Tetsuya Endo (0) with the Tsurube Otoshi (17:13).
1. Yukio Naya (4)
2. Rei Saito (2)
-. MAO (2)
-. Chris Brookes (2)
-. KANON (2)
6. Kazuki Hirata (0)
HARASHIMA is making sure his run in this year’s D-Oh Grand Prix is going to be better than the last time he was in the tournament. He didn’t win a single match in the 2021 (Part 2) edition of the Grand Prix. By beating Tetsuya Endo today he is already guaranteed to finish better off this year. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds though. HARASHIMA had to pull out the rare Tsurube Otoshi head drop finish to pin Endo for the three count when the Somato couldn’t get the job done. It was only Endo’s first match in the block but the pressure is getting to him. With Jun Akiyama leaving BURNING soon and Yuya Koroku recently getting injured, it’s more important now than ever for Endo to do his best and get results.
Is that it? Did Yukio Naya win his feud against The Saito Brothers already? The interactions between the two sides built up to Naya taking on Rei Saito in the tournament and Naya beat him clean. He also kicked out of the Drill-A-Hole Piledriver while Saito couldn’t survive taking The World’s Best Back Drop. But according to Naya the fighting isn’t done yet. He wants more matches against the Saitos and knows there are other wrestlers from All Japan who won’t stay silent as the growing rivalry between DDT and AJPW continues. While Naya waits for their response he is going to focus on winning the Grand Prix. Saito accepted defeat and told Naya to come over to All Japan next year where there are plenty of other monsters looking to fight him.
Kazusada Higuchi bounced back from losing his first match by beating Daisuke Sasaki with the overpowered Brain Claw. Sasaki tried to wear down Higuchi’s limbs while taking short cuts outside the ring in the hopes that Higuchi would get weaker and weaker. When that didn’t work MJ Paul distracted the referee so Sasaki could Low Blow Higuchi. He then used La Mistica to set up the Crossover Face Lock but Higuchi broke out of it by grabbing Sasaki’s head with the Brain Claw. Higuchi then gave Sasaki a Headbutt before reapplying the Brain Claw to make him give up. Higuchi has no tournament match tomorrow. Instead he will be at BASARA defending the IRON FIST Tag Team Titles with Ryota Nakatsu. Sasaki pointed out that wrestlers who often lose their first match in a tournament go on to reach the finals and win so he is not worried over today’s result.
An early exchange between MAO and Kazuki Hirata ended with Yukinori Matsui taking strikes from both of them, rendering him unconscious. They kept fighting while music played over the speakers. They spent the match trying to hit each other with a killing blow and MAO seemed to have found when he used the Hurricane Kick. Hirata tried to endure the blow but collapsed to the mat, leaving him to get pinned. MAO came up with a theory that if Shunma Katsumata never had to vacate the DDT Extreme Title then Hirata would never have become champion and get chosen to enter the Grand Prix. That means this match was fate all along. However MAO does not know where fate will bring him next in this tournament. He knows he is facing Chris Brookes tomorrow and sent out an advance warning he wants to beat him by countout just like last year!
Brookes is in a comfortable place to think about that stuff tomorrow because he beat KANON on this show. KANON tried ambushing him from the start but Brookes came out of that exchange the better man by giving KANON a ring apron assisted Twisting Neckbreaker onto the floor. It was a reminder that when it comes to fighting dirty, Brookes has more up his sleeve than KANON does. He sees potential from KANON though and wants him to get in touch if he ever gets bored of being with DAMNATION T.A.
Akito’s hopes of becoming champions with a dear friend and creating a strong bond with them were dashed by ROMANCE DAWN. Akito has grown jealous of Shota & Soma Takao’s friendship leading them to new heights while he is left behind so he brought along Toru Sugiura to fight them for the KO-D Tag Team Titles. Things were looking good for the challengers until Shota used the Gannosuke Clutch on Akito for the flash pinfall. Akito blamed Sugiura for the loss however and left the ring without shaking his hand. They did make up backstage though. Takao was relieved the lighttubes Sugiura brought to the ring with him were never used. Shota told the fans he wants to defend the KO-D Tag Titles against another team from their generation and it will be in Korakuen Hall at the end of the year. He is talking about ROMANCE DAWN’s upcoming match against Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie at Ganbare☆Pro on 27th December.
Akiyama said he and Yusuke Okada need to improve as a team even more because Eruption have been busy working hard in the Real World Tag League. Okada describes his relationship with Akiyama as an inseparable bond even though they have done nothing as a tag team. He wants them to win the All Asia Tag Team Titles as equals instead of teacher and student.
There was a notable guest in the audience for today’s show. Politician Ayaka Shiomura recently got a lot of attention when she used pro wrestling as a negative comparison to spreading false rumours to make news stories sound more entertaining. She took back the comments and apologized but still received criticism from Bushiroad through New Japan and Stardom. Jun Akiyama however had a friendlier (and more politically savvy) solution and invited Shiomura to this show so she could see for herself what pro wrestling is like live. She accepted and tweeted positive comments about her experience at the show. She also apologised to him in person for her comments.
Okay so where did things stand during November? Konosuke Takeshita’s work in America was still as a background player in the Don Callis storyline. The rivalry between him and Chris Jericho was mostly focused in Japan for DDT. But with that said there was still the rest of the month for AEW to give him stuff to do and there was nothing to show for it. Shoko Nakajima got to stomp her way to America briefly but just like every American monster movie it was only for a little while. Maki Itoh seems to be booked stronger and stronger in GCW as the months go by. She won all of her matches in America this month! I think there’s going to be some gold on her way in the future. Speaking of gold there is plenty of championship news to talk about for this month.
Sadly for Miyu Yamashita she lost some of her gold after her latest appearance in England. The global triple crown she held a few months back is now long gone and she’s back to just being a champion in Japan. The International Princess Title got to be defended overseas and even made a cameo on NWA programming. The belt was also handled by James Mitchell a lot which makes me hope it got a deep clean before it was transported back to Japan. Yuki Kamifuku has always behaved like a queen and now she gets to be called one thanks to the title she won in Singapore.
So with all of this now out of the way let’s hope December ends the year with a few high notes. Tokyo Joshi Pro has their show with Prestige coming up, Shota is doing a winter excursion and MAO is spending New Year’s with the dodgy bunch of friends you’d wish your kid wouldn’t hang out with.
DAIKAIJU PRO “VOL. 1 – THE KAPPAS WALK AMONG US”, 04/11/2023 White Eagle, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
1. Shoko Nakajima Vs VENY
AEW “DYNAMITE”, 15/11/2023 Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, USA
1. Like A Dragon Street Fight: Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Paul Wight Vs Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Powerhouse Hobbs & Brian Cage
EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM – SHOW 2”, 19/11/2023 The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England
1. EVE Title: Miyu Yamashita (c) Vs Safire Reed
SPW “VIVA LA LUCHA!”, 24/11/2023 Foo Chow Building, Singapore
1. Queen Of Asia Title: Alexis Lee (c) Vs Yuki Kamifuku
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Results
GCW “PLEASE, BUDDY”, 03/11/2023 Pop’s Nightclub, Sauget, Illinois, USA
1. Maki Itoh defeated Shazza McKenzie with the Itoh Deluxe (8:37).
Itoh can sing, she can dance, she can even carve open human skulls with a pizza cutter. But she cannot do the splits like Shazza McKenzie. The Australian used the splits as a defensive maneuver and then challenged Itoh to match it. Itoh struggled but it didn’t matter because McKenzie then kicked her aside and took control of the match. Itoh recovered and locked in the Itoh Deluxe to make her opponent tap out.
DAIKAIJU PRO “VOL. 1 – THE KAPPAS WALK AMONG US”, 04/11/2023 White Eagle, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
1. VENY defeated Shoko Nakajima with the Moonsault Press onto the pile of Kaiju Toys (12:04).
When you have a promotion called Daikaiju Pro who else is more fitting to headline their first show than the girl nicknamed Big Kaiju? Nakajima brought out a bag filled with kaiju toys that she wanted to use in her match against VENY but the referee wouldn’t allow her to use them. At least he was polite enough to stand up one of the toys on the apron. VENY wasn’t there to play games either. She spat water in Nakajima’s face while beating her down and later hit a big Moonsault onto her outside the ring. A second Moonsault missed its target allowing Nakajima to get her second wind. Things went haywire after VENY accidentally knocked out the ref with a slap. Nakajima had her beaten with the Northern Lights Suplex but no ref was there to count it. Nakajima took advantage by bringing in the bag of kaiju toys and throwing VENY onto them with a Top Rope Hurricanrana. The ref recovered but VENY kicked out of the pin. Nakajima then got a taste of her own medicine by being slammed onto the pile of toys with a Hurricane Driver. She kicked out of a Michinoku Driver but VENY finished her off with the Moonsault Press on top of the toys.
GCW “¿SI OR NO?”, 04/11/2023 Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1. Maki Itoh, Effy & Allie Katch defeated Jordan Oliver, Davey Bang & August Matthews when Itoh, Effy & Katch all pinned Matthews with a Triple Kokeshi Headbutt (11:29).
The trio known as Maki Death Bussy won again in their second outing as a team. Their opponents Young, Dumb & Bros tried to used fast paced team moves to their advantage until Allie Katch cleared house with her power. Effy then tagged in Itoh so the three of them could hit a Kokeshi Headbutt all at the same time for the win.
EVE “FRIDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING”, 10/11/2023 Big Penny Social, Walthamstow, London, England
1. International Princess Title: Max The Impaler (c) defeated Kasey (10:36). *V1 for Max The Impaler.
The International Princess Title was defended in England for the first time in over a year when Max The Impaler stepped foot into EVE once more. EVE got permission from TJPW to have Max put the title on the line against the “Monster Of Chaos” Kasey. It was a risk to do this title defence when there was already one scheduled for Max when they returned to Japan. But it turned out not to be a problem for the champion and they left EVE with the title still over their shoulder.
AEW “DYNAMITE”, 15/11/2023 Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, USA
1. Like A Dragon Street Fight: Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Paul Wight defeated Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Powerhouse Hobbs & Brian Cage when Omega pinned Cage with the One-Winged Angel (21:01).
Takeshita went full Goro Majima for AEW’s sponsorship with Sega and the new Lika A Dragon game. All that was missing was him calling Kenny Omega “Kenny-chan” while stalking him from every nook and cranny inside the building. The Street Fight was a full tribute to the street fights you get in the game including attacks involving bicycles, people getting slammed onto cars and shop signs getting smashed to bits. This was the kind of natural environments The Golden Lovers developed in and is a recommended throwback to the crazy Falls Count Anywhere Matches they used to get up to in DDT. Kota Ibushi cycling around ringside hitting people with a pipe until Brian Cage decapitated him with a Lariat is something wrestling will always need. Also Powerhouse Hobbs seemed to have killed Paul Wight in the parking lot and it didn’t matter towards the result. AEW really needs to fix that kind of story telling. Anyway, Omega dropped Kyle Fletcher with the One-Winged Angel to deliver a happy ending for this substory.
GCW “GOING AND GOING”, 17/11/2023 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
1. Maki Itoh defeated Nicole Matthews with the I.S.D. (9:19).
A first time meeting between Itoh and Nicole Matthews meant it was time for Matthews to discover first hand just how hard Itoh’s head is. She based her attacks around Cravates and Knee Strikes to the head. When that didn’t work she pushed the referee into the ropes to knock Itoh off balance from the top turnbuckle. However Itoh kicked out of a Northern Lights Suplex and lured Matthews back over to the corner. She gave her a Draping DDT onto the ring apron, a Tornado DDT on the floor outside the ring and then the I.S.D back in the ring for the victory.
HOODSLAM “RED”, 18/11/2023 Continental Club, Oakland, California, USA
1. Sawyer Wreck & Maki Itoh defeated Dark Sheik & Vipress when Itoh pinned Sheik with the I.S.D. (17:02).
When Itoh was last in Hoodslam she lost a match to Vipress thanks to interference from Dark Sheik. Itoh got her revenge this month by bringing along Sawyer Wreck so they could beat the two of them together. The match transformed into a chicken fight with Itoh sitting on Wreck’s shoulders and Vipress sitting on Sheik’s. Itoh toppled down the opposing tower with her Headbutts. Communication between Sheik & Vipress broke down and the two turned on each other. From that point they were easily picked off with Itoh hitting Sheik with the I.S.D. and Wreck Choke Slamming Vipress for the double pin.
EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM – SHOW 1”, 19/11/2023 The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England
1. Miyu Yamashita defeated Chantal Jordan with the Skull Kick (12:27).
Two matches in one day awaited Yamashita for EVE’s last major event of the year. The afternoon match was pretty rudimentary. She beat Chantal Jordan with the Skull Kick, no questions asked.
EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM – SHOW 2”, 19/11/2023 The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England
1. EVE Title: Safire Reed defeated Miyu Yamashita (c) with a Rolling Cradle (15:35). *Miyu Yamashita fails in V9. Safire Reed becomes the 21st EVE Champion!
The second show at night however brought an end to Yamashita’s year long reign as EVE Champion. The up and comer Safire Reed beat her in a big upset to win the title! Yamashita’s title run ends as the fifth longest in EVE’s history and also has the most successful title defences on record in a single reign. I can’t imagine this will be the last time we’ll see her in EVE too so what she and maybe more from TJPW will do with them in the future is something to watch out for.
LLL “DEEP HURTING”, 22/11/2023 The Oriental Theater, Denver, Colorado, USA
1. 3 Way Match: Maki Itoh defeated Lilith Grimm and Stormi Renee (?:??).
Itoh was back in Lucha Libre & Laughs, beating Lilith Grimm and Stormi Renee in a 3 Way Match.
SPW “VIVA LA LUCHA!”, 24/11/2023 Foo Chow Building, Singapore
1. Queen Of Asia Title: Yuki Kamifuku defeated Alexis Lee (c) with the Diving Famouser (?:??). *Alexis Lee fails in V5. Yuki Kamifuku becomes the 5th Queen Of Asia Champion!
In a rematch from January of this year, Kamifuku had a second chance of taking the Queen Of Asia Title from Alexis Lee. This time she succeeded and has brought the title championship back to Japan! The belt is managed by Singapore Pro Wrestling so they will need to sign off on any title defences Kamifuku will want to do in TJPW.
GCW “WRESTLECADE WEEKEND”, 24/11/2023 Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
1. Maki Itoh defeated Kylie Alexa with the I.S.D. (5:08).
There was no Kenzie Paige on the show. Instead Itoh had to take on Paige’s sister Kylie Alexa. No matter. Itoh beat her anyway.
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 29/11/2023 (Aired 01/12/2023) Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Takeshita ended his month winning a squash match with the rest of The Don Callis Family.
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Upcoming Appearances
BLACK LABEL PRO “SLAMILTON”, 02/12/2023 Berwyn Eagles Club, Berwyn, Illinois, USA
1. Rachel Armstrong Vs Maki Itoh
Itoh will still be in America while TJPW celebrates their 10th anniversary. December for her begins with Itoh taking on Rachel Armstrong in Black Label Pro.
GCW “WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?”, 03/12/2023 Roulette Intermedium, Brooklyn, New York, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Mike Bailey
Here’s a matchup so nutty it has to be done a week sooner! GCW originally booked a match between Itoh and Mike Bailey for their show in LA on 9th December. It had to be cancelled because Bailey had a scheduling conflict. So rather than wait until next year to do the match it’s been pushed forward to the Brooklyn show on the 3rd instead.
MLW “ONE-SHOT”, 07/12/2023 Melrose Ballroom, Queens, New York, USA
1. Princess Of Princess Title: Miyu Yamashita (c) Vs Delmi Exo
2. MLW World Featherweight Title: Janai Kai (c) Vs Maki Itoh
When Yamashita was announced for MLW a war of words broke out online between her and Delmi Exo. This year Exo held the women’s titles from both MLW and wXw at the same time. She no longer has either so she now has her sights set on the Princess Of Princess Title. Yamashita appreciated the challenge but turned it down because she already has her next defence scheduled for 4th January. Exo wasn’t happy with the response and sent insulting messages to Yamashita until the champion decided to accept the challenge and put Exo in her place. It all sounds well and good for a storyline but I’m a little worried MLW will pull off some bullshit when nobody is looking. They’ve done a phantom title change before with one of the AAA championships during the pandemic and tried to play it off as a misunderstanding over wires getting crossed. Call me skeptical but you should only ever trust Court Bauer as far as you can throw him.
In September Itoh lost a No. 1 Contender match to B3CCA so you may be wondering why she is still getting an MLW World Featherweight Title shot against Janai Kai? It’s because B3CCA has since gotten a knee injury and will be on the shelf for a few months. Can Itoh make the most of this unexpected opportunity?
DREAMWAVE “UPRISING”, 08/12/2023 Knights of Columbus, LaSalle, Illinois, USA
1. Shazza McKenzie Vs Miyu Yamashita
Please don’t let Sean Ross Sapp interfere in this match.
MPW “THE LONG NIGHT”, 08/12/2023 Knights of Columbus, LaSalle, Illinois, USA
1. Miggy Rose & Michael Hopkins Vs Shota & J2
Shota is adding dates for his winter tour of America. The earliest match scheduled for him now is at Millenium Pro Wrestling. He will team with a former opponent from last year’s excursion, J2 Mattioli. Their opponents are a team called 24K.
DREAMWAVE “GOOD AS GOLD”, 09/12/2023 Knights of Columbus, LaSalle, Illinois, USA
Well, well, well, what do we have here? Yamashita and Emi Sakura in the same ring on the same team at the same time? They were on opposite sides once before and that was on a DPW show during the summer. Now we get to see how they will fare when they on the same page. Zayda Steel & Zamaya could be in for a rough night if their opponents gel together really well.
EWF “PRO WRESTLING LUCHA LIBRE”, 09/12/2023 VFW Post 8737, San Bernardino, California, USA
1. EWF Vs The World: Shota Vs Noah
Just like last year Shota’s trip to America has him showing up in some real obscure places on the independents. Empire Wrestling Federation is one of them and they have a wrestler called Noah ready to fight him.
GCW “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM 2”, 09/12/2023 Ukrainian Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Nick Gage & Maki Itoh Vs Johnny Game Changer & Taya Valkyrie
GCW has gone full blown wacky over what they’re replacing Itoh Vs Bailey in LA with. That show is now getting Maki Death Kill against Johnny Game Changer & Taya Valkyrie!
SKYFIRE PRO “NAVIDAD NIGHTMARE”, 10/12/2023 Bay City Brewing Co., San Diego, California, USA
1. Rebel Storm Vs Shota
Shota’s opponent when he comes over to Skyfire Pro is Rebel Storm.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO/PRESTIGE “COMBAT PRINCESS USA”, 14/12/2023 Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Rika Tatsumi & Amira Vs Max The Impaler & Pom Harajuku
2. Hikari Noa & Nao Kakuta Vs Janai Kai & Shazza McKenzie
3. Moka Miyamoto Vs Trish Adora
4. Mizuki Vs Sandra Moone
5. Shoko Nakajima Vs Taya Valkyrie
6. Miu Watanabe Vs Hyan
7. Special Tag Match: Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh Vs Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly
The full card for “COMBAT PRINCESS USA” is here. Prestige have gathered together Masha Slamovich, Killer Kelly, Hyan, Taya Valkyrie, Sandra Moone, Trish Adora, Janai Kai, Shazza McKenzie (replacing an injured Johnnie Robbie) and Amira to represent their side in a bunch of inter-promotional matches against TJPW.
PANDEMONIUM PRO “HOLIDAY IN LA”, 17/12/2023 Don Quixote, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Vinnie Massaro Vs Shota
2. Mike Bailey Vs Miyu Yamashita
It’s neat to see Vinnine Massaro get to wrestle in NOAH earlier this week. I bet that was a big thrill for him.
CIRCLE 6 “KING OF THE DEATHMATCHES”, 30/12/2023 Don Quixote, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. MAO Vs X
I’m not sure if MAO is entering the actual King Of The Deathmatch tournament or if he’s there in a separate attraction match.
GCW “NO COMPADRE”, 12/01/2024 Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
Itoh has her first 2024 dates with GCW ready to go.
GCW “56 BIRDZ”, 13/01/2024 Valley Dale Ballroom, Columbus, Ohio, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
So far Itoh has Maki Death Kill and Maki Death Bussy under her list of alliances in GCW. Where does she go next?
DDT returns to America next year as part of The Collective in Philadelphia during Wrestlemania week. Sanshiro Takagi said on Twitter he would also like to do a Falls Count Anywhere match at the Philadelphia Museum Of Arts stairway from the Rocky movie if he is part of the crew travelling over.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW CITY CIRCUIT ’23 ~NAGOYA IPPONJIME~”, 26/11/2023 Aichi NGK Sports Plaza 3rd Stadium
1. Arisu Endo Vs Runa Okubo
2. Suzume Vs Haru Kazashiro
3. Hyper Misao Vs Raku
4. Shoko Nakajima & Kaya Toribami Vs Yuki Kamifuku & Viva Van
5. Miyu Yamashita, Mahiro Kiryu & Toga Vs Rika Tatsumi, Miu Watanabe & HIMAWARI
6. Hikari Noa, Nao Kakuta & Shino Suzuki Vs Max The Impaler, Yuki Aino & Pom Harajuku
7. Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki Vs Yuki Arai & Moka Miyamoto
Yuki Kamifuku is coming back to Japan as a champion. She was in Singapore Pro Wrestling yesterday to challenge Alexis Lee for the Queen Of Asia Title. Kamifuku won the match and the championship, becoming the second Japanese person to hold the title. Riho was the first.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO/PRESTIGE “COMBAT PRINCESS USA”, 14/12/2023 Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Rika Tatsumi & Amira Vs Max The Impaler & Pom Harajuku
2. Hikari Noa & Nao Kakuta Vs Janai Kai & Johnnine Robbie
3. Moka Miyamoto Vs Trish Adora
4. Mizuki Vs Sandra Moone
5. Shoko Nakajima Vs Taya Valkyrie
6. Miu Watanabe Vs Hyan
7. Special Tag Match: Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh Vs Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly
So false alarm, the Globe Theatre is not closing down after all and Tokyo Joshi Pro’s show there with Prestige is going ahead there as planned. Even more good news, the full card for the show is out. Shoko Nakajima takes on Taya Valkyrie, a non-title match sees Mizuki take on Sandra Moone, the first meeting of Moka Miyamoto and Trish Adora together, Free WiFi in tag action against Janai Kai & Johnnie Robbie plus the team now known as Pompaler taking on Rika Tatsumi & Amira.
GANBARE☆PRO “BAD COMMUNICATION 2023”, 27/12/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1. GanPro Vs GLEAT All Out Battle: Yumehito Imanari, X, X, X & X Vs X, X, X, X & X
2. Special Single Match: Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Arisu Endo
3. Special Tag Match: Shota & Soma Takao Vs Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie
4. Special Single Match: Ken Ohka Vs Kuma Arashi
5. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Isami Kodaka (c) Vs Shuichiro Katsumura
One by one Isami Kodaka is vanquishing the Ganbare☆Pro roster as they take turns trying to take the Spirit Of Ganbare Title from him. Shuichiro Katsumura is next and wants the title match to take place in Korakuen Hall at the end of the year. Kodaka likes the idea because if he wins then that means GanPro has to keep booking him next year. Katsumura is currently one half of the Spirit Of Ganbare Tag Team Champions so he is also fighting to become a double GanPro champion.
The one sided feud between Ken Ohka and Kuma Arashi with bigger stakes on the line. Arashi is getting bored of beating Ohka over and over. But he will do it one more time on the condition that when he wins he gets title shots for both the SOG Title and SOG Tag Titles.
We have more examples of the Young Communication generation interacting with each other when ROMANCE DAWN goes against Keisuke Ishii & Shigehiro Irie.
Earlier this year at “WRESTLE PRINCESS IV” there was a Ganbare☆Joshi Vs TJPW tag match that ended with Arisu Endo beating Yoshiko Hasegawa by submission. A singles rematch between the two is giving Hasegawa a chance to avenge that loss in her own promotion.
An inter-promotional 10-Man Tag Match sees Yumehito Imanari leading a GanPro team against a group of wrestlers from GLEAT. The GLEAT side has not decided on who they are sending yet but Imanari demanded that Kaz Hayashi be one of them. Also Takuya Wada has shown interest in being on the GanPro team because he has no SOG Tag Titles defence scheduled for the show.
DDT “SWEET DREAMS! 2024 TOUR IN OSAKA DAY 1”, 06/01/2024 Osaka 176BOX
1. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles – DEAD OR ALIVE Contra DEAD OR ALIVE: Jun Akiyama, Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi (c) Vs Bodyguard, Naruki Doi & Tsutenkakka
Naruki Doi fills out the challenger team fighting to stop D.O.A from calling themselves Dead Or Alive.
GANBARE☆PRO “ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS ’23”, 23/11/2023 Tokyo Takashimadaira Kumin Center 220 Fans – No Vacancy
1. SAKI & Yoshiko Hasegawa defeated YuuRI & Riara when SAKI submitted Riara with the Sasori-katame (9:28).
2. Yumehito Imanari defeated Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi with a Crab Hold (11:30).
3. Dan The Dad, Tyson Maeguchi & Banny Oikawa defeated Soma Takao, Shinichiro Tominaga & HARUKAZE when Dan pinned Tominaga with the You’re Grounded (12:51).
4. Koji Doi & Kuma Arashi defeated Ken Ohka & Mizuki Watase when Doi pinned Watase with a Lariat (14:31).
5. Spirit Of Ganbare World Tag Team Titles: Shuichiro Katsumura & Takuya Wada (c) defeated Keisuke Ishii & Munetatsu Nakamura when Katsumura submitted Nakamura with the Triple Three 3 Lock (14:34). *V3 for Ground Absolute.
6. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Isami Kodaka (c) defeated Shota with a Cradle Cutback (22:17). *V4 for Isami Kodaka.
There seems to be no stopping Isami Kodaka’s run through the Ganbare☆Pro roster. His latest challenger for the Spirit Of Ganbare Title today was Shota. The challenger came into this match promising fans he would win the title and become the new protagonist of GanPro. In a match that saw Kodaka kick out of the Gannosuke Clutch and the Frog Splash, Shota was still finding ways to win. Kodaka landed on his back with the Diving Double Knee Drop and turned it into a Bow And Arrow Lock when Shota wriggled his way out of it and laid on top for a pin. However Kodaka rolled Shota over and pinned him down for the three count to retain the title.
Shota accepted the result. His own career feels like it has reached over 100 volumes just like One Piece but he still hasn’t become strong enough to beat Kodaka. It’s a bit unfair but Shota cannot deny that Kodaka is still the protagonist. Kodaka said that is the number one reason why people hate him. Shuichiro Katsumura entered the ring and told Kodaka it doesn’t matter who the protagonist of this story is. He is here to take the SOG Title back to GanPro! He cannot stay quiet any longer after seeing his friends lose to Kodaka one by one. He is the only one left so he wants to face Kodaka in a title match at Korakuen Hall on 27th December. Kodaka accepted, knowing that if he wins that match he is guaranteed to stick around in GanPro next year. After all, the SOG Title is his passport to remain in GanPro whether he is wanted here or not.
Katsumura now has a chance of becoming a double champion by the end of the year. He & Takuya Wada are still the Spirit Of Ganbare Team Team Champions after the defeated Keisuke Ishii & Munetatsu Nakamura. The challengers were fired up, Nakamura in particular. But the youngest wrestler on the GanPro roster was too eager and he accidentally kicked Ishii in the head when he aimed for Katsumura. He then got taken down and pulled apart into submission. Later on Katsumura apologised to Wada for going ahead and challenging Kodaka because that means there will not be a SOG Tag Title match on 27th December. Wada told him not to worry because he already has an idea of what else he can do on the show and it involves a particular challenge from another promotion. More will be explained below.
Ken Ohka had two months to start growing his hair back but he was still looking to get revenge on DoiKuma. He had another brawl against the team this time with Mizuki Watase as his partner. Unfortunately it ended in defeat again with Koji Doi pinning Watase while Kuma Arashi threw Ohka into rows of chairs outside the ring. Ohka still wanted to fight Arashi after the match and challenged him to a singles bout on the 27th December Korakuen show. Arashi wasn’t interested because it would just be another easy win for him. He eventually changed his mind but only if the match is done on his terms. If Arashi wins then he gets title shots for both the SOG Title and SOG Tag Titles. Ohka instantly accepted, only just realising what he agreed to when he calmed down. Doi then promoted an independent show he and Arashi are running together on 4th December. He wants Wrestle Universe to promote it too because it is being financed with DoiKuma’s own money and they don’t want to go bankrupt if it flops.
The mixed tag match was Banny Oikawa’s entry into GanPro that’s been promised to her all year while she wrestled on Ganbare☆Joshi shows. It was also Dan The Dad’s return match in Japan. He communicated with Oikawa & Tyson Maeguchi by taking out a pen and telling them “This is a pen”. It is a common basic phrase Japanese people learn when taking English lessons. The friendly gesture took a life of its own when HARUKAZE stole the pen and soon had everyone fighting over it. When that was done with, Oikawa took out Soma Takao and Dan pinned Shinichiro Tominaga with a Backpack Stunner that is also called “You’re Grounded”.
During the opening speeches it was announced that GanPro has invited GLEAT to take part in an inter-promotional challenge on 27th December at Korakuen. When Yumehito Imanari won his match against Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi, he threw his name into the hat because he has already wrestled on several GLEAT shows this year. If there is anyone who is responsible for inspiring the “GxG Collaboration” it is him! He then called out Kaz Hayashi to come to the show because he’ll be waiting for him. Later on, Takuya Wada said he wanted to take part in any GanPro Vs GLEAT match too.
Also during the show Michiyoshi Mishima announced that Yoshiko Hasegawa Vs Arisu Endo will take place on 27th December. Hasegawa submitted to Endo at “WRESTLE PRINCESS IV” in October and hasn’t forgot about it. She said GanPro wrestlers always get back up after losing and she wants to show Endo that kind of spirit in her home promotion. She is looking to get a complete victory against Endo when they meet again.
DDT “ROJO PRO WRESTLING IN NARAHA TOWN”, 18/11/2023 Fukushima Tenjin Misaki Sports Park
1. Falls Count Anywhere 3 Way Tag Match: MAO & Toy Kojima Vs Kazusada Higuchi & Makoto Oishi Vs Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi (Special Referee: Shunma Katsumata)
There’s a big scrap going on down in the park tomorrow if you’re happening to be jogging by.
1. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Kazuma Sumi & Yuni
2. Osaka Specialty Special Tag Match: Sanshiro Takagi & Tsutenkakka Vs Danshoku Dieno & Ilusion
3. KANON & MJ Paul Vs Akito & Rukiya
4. Special Single Match: Daisuke Sasaki Vs Takeshi Masada
5. Special Hardcore 6-Man Tag Match: The Great Nita, The Great Koji & HARASHIMA Vs Jun Akiyama, Bodyguard & Makoto Oishi
6. DDT Universal Title: MAO (c) Vs Demus
7. Road To D-Oh Grand Prix Special 6-Man Tag Match: Chris Brookes, Yuki Ueno & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Tetsuya Endo, Yukio Naya & Kazuki Hirata
The D-Oh Grand Prix preview match headlines DDT’s return to Osaka.
DDT “DRAMATIC DREAM TOUR 2023 IN MIYAGI”, 23/11/2023 Miyagi Yume Messe West Building Hall
1. KANON Vs Kazuma Sumi
2. Jun Akiyama & Yusuke Okada Vs Kazusada Higuchi & Rukiya
3. Daisuke Sasaki & Demus Vs Yuni & Yuya Koroku
4. Miyagi Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match: Sanshiro Takagi, Kazuki Hirata & Aizawa No.1 Vs HARASHIMA, Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi
5. Special Single Match: Tetsuya Endo Vs MJ Paul
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, MAO & Toy Kojima Vs Chris Brookes, Akito & Yukio Naya
We get to see Yuki Ueno and Chris Brookes against each other again eleven days after “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”.
It should be no surprise to see that Demus has sided with DAMNATION T.A during his stay here. He’ll delight in helping Daisuke Sasaki torment Yuni.
Yesterday Jun Akiyama announced he will be leaving BURNING by the end of the year. So this might be the last time Yusuke Okada teams with him in a regular tag match.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW CITY CIRCUIT ’23 ~NAGOYA IPPONJIME~”, 26/11/2023 Aichi NGK Sports Plaza 3rd Stadium
1. Arisu Endo Vs Runa Okubo
2. Suzume Vs Haru Kazashiro
3. Hyper Misao Vs Raku
4. Shoko Nakajima & Kaya Toribami Vs Yuki Kamifuku & Viva Van
5. Miyu Yamashita, Mahiro Kiryu & Toga Vs Rika Tatsumi, Miu Watanabe & HIMAWARI
6. Hikari Noa, Nao Kakuta & Shino Suzuki Vs Max The Impaler, Yuki Aino & Pom Harajuku
7. Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki Vs Yuki Arai & Moka Miyamoto
It’s a big deal for Yuki Arai & Moka Miyamoto to be getting one of the last Magical Sugar Rabbits matches while Yuka Sakazaki is still here. Another sign that the promotion is backing Miyamoto a bit more lately.
The semi-main event is a preview of the Princess Tag Team Titles match. Free WiFi gets a taste of what Max The Impaler & Pom Harajuku will throw at them. I mean it will mainly be Max throwing Pom at them but maybe Yuki Aino can help with giving them other ideas.
This will be Viva Van’s first match with Tokyo Joshi Pro. Can’t imagine her not getting along with Yuki Kamifuku.
Wakana Uehara is not on the show because she has a stage performance going on somewhere else that day.
DDT “D-OH GRAND PRIX 2023 IN SHINJUKU DAY 1”, 02/12/2023 Shinjuku FACE
1. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – A Block: Tetsuya Endo Vs HARASHIMA
2. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – A Block: Kazusada Higuchi Vs Daisuke Sasaki
3. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: Chris Brookes Vs KANON
4. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: MAO Vs Kazuki Hirata
5. D-Oh Grand Prix 2023 – B Block: Yukio Naya Vs Rei Saito
6. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Soma Takao & Shota (c) Vs Toru Sugiura & Akito
It will be a battle within the Young Communication generation for ROMANCE DAWN’s next KO-D Tag Team Titles defence. Akito isn’t happy to see Shota & Soma Takao surpassing him with their recent success when for years he’s been positioned on a level above both of them. He is bringing in Toru Sugiura, the current KING Of FREEDOMS champion to try and take the tag belts off them. Sugiura was a regular part of the Monthly Young Communication shows that DDT’s rookies at the time put together during the early 2010s along with Akito, Shota and Takao.
DDT “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”, 12/11/2023 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan 4,785 Fans – No Vacancy
1. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Soma Takao & Shota (c) defeated Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda when Takao pinned Honda with the Gin And Tonic (7:46). *V1 for ROMANCE DAWN.
2. Staggered Entry Tag Rumble: Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku defeated KANON & MJ Paul, Naruki Doi & Kazuma Sumi, Toy Kojima & Yuki Ishida and Yuni & Rukiya (9:32).
2a. Naruki Doi & Kazuma Sumi eliminated Yuni & Rukiya when Doi pinned Yuni with the Bakatare Sliding Kick (4:18).
2b. KANON & MJ Paul eliminated Naruki Doi & Kazuma Sumi when Paul pinned Kojima with a Running Body Press (6:38).
2c. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku eliminated Naruki Doi & Kazuma Sumi by Ring Out when Okada threw Doi over the top rope (7:53).
2d. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku eliminated KANON & MJ Paul when Koroku pinned Paul with a Cradle (9:32).
3. Tokyo Joshi Pro Offer 6-Woman Tag Match: Yuki Arai, Moka Miyamoto & Shino Suzuki defeated Suzume, Arisu Endo & Wakana Uehara when Arai pinned Uehara with the Finally (11:15).
4. Special 8-Man Tag Match – Japanese Dogeza Match: Yoshitatsu, Yoshihiko, Danshoku Dieno & Super Sasadango Machine defeated Sanshiro Takagi, Akito, Makoto Oishi & Shinichiro Kawamatsu when Takagi apologized to Sasadango (8:20).
5. Special Single Match: Kuroshio TOKYO Japan defeated Takeshi Masada with a Crucifix Pin (13:14).
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ DDT Vs VOODOO-MURDERS: Jun Akiyama, HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya defeated Jun Saito, Rei Saito & Toshizo when Naya pinned Toshizo with the World’s Best Back Drop (10:11).
7. Special Single Match: Daisuke Sasaki defeated Tetsuya Endo by Referee Stoppage with the Crossover Face Lock (14:50).
8. Goodcom Presents Saki Akai Retirement Match ~Strong, Noble, Beautiful~: Naomichi Marufuji, Kazusada Higuchi & Miyu Yamashita defeated Saki Akai, Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani when Yamashita pinned Akai with the Skull Kick (20:30).
9. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Nivea Cream Care Body Wash Presents ~ Dramatic Dream Round “Let’s Have Fun!!” What Will Happen!? Fun Death Match: Hiromu Takahashi (c) defeated Kazuki Hirata with a Fisherman Suplex (R5 3:53). *V? for Hiromu Takahashi.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Belt defeated Hiromu Takahashi (c) by Pinfall (5:36 pm). *IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Belt becomes the 1,590th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Kazuki Hirata defeated IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Belt (c) by Pinfall (5:37 pm). *Kazuki Hirata becomes the 1,591st champion.
10. DDT Universal Title – No DQ Match: MAO defeated Matt Cardona (c) (w/ Steph De Lander) with the Radio Silence onto a Plastic Case (16:50). *Matt Cardona fails in V2. MAO becomes the 12th DDT Universal Champion!
11. Double Main Event I: Chris Jericho defeated KONOSUKE TAKESHITA with the Walls Of Jericho (23:35).
12. KO-D Openweight Title – Double Main Event II: Yuki Ueno defeated Chris Brookes (c) with the WR (29:39). *Chris Brookes fails in V3. Yuki Ueno becomes the 82nd KO-D Openweight Champion!
A new KO-D Openweight Champion has been crowned! For the last couple of years Yuki Ueno set himself a hefty goal of becoming the guy to carry all of DDT on his back. There were setbacks and big walls to climb over along the way but it all lead to his crowning moment at Sumo Hall today. On a show filled with other matches taking up the spotlight, it was Ueno’s match with Chris Brookes that ended the day with DDT’s biggest prize on the line. The two close friends fighting each other on such a big occasion brought out their reckless sides. It didn’t take long for the fight to make its way outside the ring where Ueno did a Moonsault from the entrance arch and later Brookes put him through a table with a Piledriver. Back in the ring the two almost took each other to a double knockout and then a double countout but they kept showing life to continue. Brookes hit the Praying Mantis Bomb twice with the second being an elevated version of the finisher. But Ueno kicked out of both of them and fired back with doing the BME twice. Brookes kicked out of them so Ueno then used the WR. This time Brookes had no answer for it and Ueno pinned him to become the new KO-D Champion!
Brookes was the one to wrap the belt around Ueno’s waist and then hug him before leaving the ring. Ueno said on the microphone that when Brookes came to DDT they became friends right away. He told Brookes to stay in Japan so they can fight each other in DDT even more. Ueno then told the fans he discovered DDT in his second year of high school thanks to his classmate Konosuke Takeshita. Ueno took the path to becoming a pro wrestler, grew little by little and has now become the champion he never thought he would become. His dream now is to fill every venue and live up to the high expectations a champion should have. He also showed support for the rest of The 37KAMIINA for all of their hard work and success. Meanwhile backstage Brookes spoke to reporters about having more motivation than ever. He thinks a key to Ueno’s victory is being part of a unit that supports each other. Brookes has Masahiro Takanashi and Antonio Honda to rely on but they’ve never been an actual stable together. That is until now. Brookes remembers being part of a group in England called SCHADENFREUDE. This new unit will carry the same name and can be called SCHADENFREUDE International! Brookes then noticed Takeshi Masada was nearby and invited him to join to make it a group of four people. Masada happily accepted the offer to fight for his “wrestling dad” from now on.
The show promoted two main events and the one placed second to last on the card had the most international interest going into it. Chris Jericho wrestled in DDT for the first time to face Takeshita in a match that carries over their current storyline from AEW. There was no sign of Don Callis anywhere so the match went ahead without any threat of outside interference to worry about. Jericho entered to his “Judas” theme song and the audience knew to sing along with the chorus. He and Takeshita fought around ringside where Jericho stole a photographer’s camera to take pictures of his opponent while beating him up. In the ring Takeshita blocked the Judas Effect and tried to win using the Walls Of Takeshita, his version of Jericho’s submission hold. He also used the Super Blue which is the top rope Blue Thunder Bomb for a nearfall. Takeshita followed up with Jumping Knee Strikes and then pulled down his kneepad in order to deliver one final strike. But Jericho cut Takeshita off and trapped him in the Walls Of Jericho. No matter how hard Takeshita tried to escape, it was usless and he had to tap out.
After the match Jericho stuck out his hand to Takeshita. To everyone’s surprise Takeshita shook Jericho’s hand. He then got on the microphone and told the fans his big dream is not going to end yet! Backstage he said the Walls Of Jericho he tried to climb over was much higher than he anticipated. His feud with Jericho is not over and they will continue to fight each other in America. He then made it clear that in Japan he will continue to be Konosuke Takeshita of DDT. In the United States he will become the world’s number one as KONOSUKE TAKESHITA. Today is not the end but the beginning of his dramatic dream. Jericho in his post-match interview said he wanted to do this match in DDT instead of AEW. He is full of praise for Takeshita and thinks the only reason he didn’t win today is because his opponent was Chris Jericho. He would accept an offer to fight Takeshita again 100 times out of 100. He also said he would like to wrestle Tetsuya Endo, Kota Ibushi and Minoru Suzuki. The last one in particular Jericho wants to take place in Japan at a venue the size of Sumo Hall or bigger. He enjoyed his time here in DDT and would come back as long as they can find the right important opponent for him.
Two people who did not enjoy as much of their time with DDT this weekend were Matt Cardona and Steph De Lander. They returned to Japan so Cardona could defend the DDT Universal Title again but his challenger MAO was a major annoyance for them. First Cardona and MAO got into a fight at yesterday’s press conference and that resulted in the title match turning into a No DQ bout. Cardona tried to win straight away by immediately doing the Radio Silence to MAO for a two count. De Lander quickly intervened too which caused the injured Shunma Katsumata to get involved at ringside so the playing field was back to being even. Yukinori Matsui got knocked out during the chaos so there was no referee around. The solution was to bring in Yoshihiko as the substitute ref! Both Cardona and MAO had to grab Yoshihiko and guide it to counting their pinfalls until De Lander threw it out of the ring. Luckily Matsui recovered and was able to continue doing his job while Cardona and MAO smashed plastic cases over each other. Cardona stacked up a pile of cases but went through them himself thanks MAO giving him a top rope Radio Silence. When the dust settled, MAO pinned Cardona on top of the wreckage to win the Universal Title!
Cardona & De Lander stormed off blaming the result on screwjobs while MAO celebrated with the title. MAO said it’s been a long time since he last held the Universal Title and he was able to win today because he worked hard in front of a large crowd. He then announced his first challenger for the belt will be Demus. There is already a singles match between the two booked for 19th November so it will now have the title on the line. Backstage MAO said he couldn’t do what he wanted with the title the first time around because of the pandemic. He has a lot of regrets but today is his happy ending and he can now start a new story. Meanwhile Cardona compared what happened here to the Montreal Screwjob and complained about interference from Katsumata and Toy Kojima. This was the Tokyo Screwjob! He promised when he returns to DDT he will be coming for the KO-D Openweight Title!
Nobody was prepared for what Hiromu Takahashi and Kazuki Hirata had in store for everyone. Not even those two! Takahashi entered Sumo Hall as the defending Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion and agreed to take part in a match filled with match stipulations normally reserved for the DDT Extreme Title. Every round lasted two minutes and began with a roulette wheel on the screen picking a new stipulation. This would go on until a winner was determined. Round 1 was a Musical Sitatuon Death Match where everyone had to do moves that were fitting for the song being played. Takahashi ignored the rule until Hisaya Imabayashi yelled at him on the microphone. When Sengoku era music played Takahashi and Hirata fought each other like samurai. Then romantic music began playing and the two slowly embraced each other. The round ended right before they were about to kiss. Round 2 was a Handicap Match allowing Hirata to team up with Yoshihiko. They had the early advantage until Takahashi got rid of Hirata so he could fight Yoshihiko one on one. Takahashi did the Time Bomb but Yoshihiko kicked out at one. Takahashi then did the Time Bomb II but Yoshihiko kicked out of that as well! It was then onto Round 3, the Blindfold Hidden Breat Death Match! Takahashi and Hirata had to wear blindfolds and bras. The goal was to strip off the opponent’s bra without being able to see. The two eventually found each other and Hirata had a grip of Takahashi’s bra. But the round ended before he could pull it off. Round 4 was a Dancing Death Match but Takahashi did everything he could to prevent Hirata from dancing, leaving the crowd very upset. For Round 5 the roulette wheel was about to land on Normal Rules but instead stopped at the Dancing Death Match again. This time the round was given a 55 minute time limit. Takahashi knocked down his opponent and picked up the Hirata GO! glasses. He admitted he’s been prepared to dance ever since this match was announced! He put the glasses on, “Tokyo GO!” began to play and Takahashi danced with Hirata. The dance turned into a fight with Hirata using the Miracle One Shot Cradle for a nearfall. Takahashi fought back and used the Fisherman Suplex to pin Hirata for a three count. It is the same move Takahashi used to beat Hirata in their first match together back in 2011.
That wasn’t the end of it by a long shot. Takahashi had just defended the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title and laid down next to Hirata with the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title belt resting on his chest. Big mistake. Yukinori Matsui, as sharp-eyed as always, noticed the belt on top of Takahashi and suddenly gave a three count. A confused Takahashi looked up as it was announced that the actual IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Belt itself was now the Iron Man Champion! Hirata quickly grabbed the belt and pinned it on the canvas. Matsui counted along and then declared Hirata was now the Iron Man Champion! When Takahashi finally figured out what had happened he shook Hirata’s hand and tried to roll him up to win the belt back but failed. Hirata escaped from ringside, leaving Takahashi by himself in the ring. Then when Takahashi walked away, Danshoku Dieno crept up from behind and gave him a big kiss when he turned around. Backstage Takahashi said this is the end of his story with Hirata and they may never see each other again. He suggests his next story could be with Keisuke Ishii because he’s never beaten him in their three singles matches. He had more to say but Dieno reappeared and chased him off.
Saki Akai’s pro wrestling career in the ring has now come to an end. After spending a decade in the ring, Akai announced in the summer her choice to step away at her peak of performance, feeling it is better to end her career as a beautiful rose instead of a wilting flower. By doing this she gets to be a rare case of a pro wrestler getting to retire on their own terms without ever suffering a serious injury. For her final match Akai teamed up with the rest of Eruption one last time. Their opponents were also all of her choosing. There was Naomichi Marufuji from NOAH because Akai felt she was strong enough to face him in the ring. They also knew each other from before Akai got into wrestling. Kazusada Higuchi was picked because he is a former member of Eruption who founded the unit with Akai and Yukio Sakaguchi. And third was Miyu Yamashita from Tokyo Joshi Pro because they are friends in private who helped with each other’s wrestling careers a lot. Akai got to get time in the ring against all three opponents while Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani were there for backup. Akai kept fighting despite taking a Thrust Kick from Marufuji and a Headbutt from Higuchi. The match came down to her against Yamashita with Akai trying to last as long as she could before finally falling to the Skull Kick to end her last match.
With the match complete everybody got their chance to shake Akai’s hand before the retirement ceremony began. Akai was sent video messages from several notable pro wrestlers. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe and Genichiro Tenryu all wishing her the best. Next Akai received bouquets of flowers from Eruption, her friends Takumi Iroha and Rina Yamashita and also Sanshiro Takagi. Akai was praised by Takagi for becoming a truly fine pro wrestler who made it without suffering any major injuries. There were many ideas Takagi came up with when he scouted her that Akai never complained about. He now has one more idea. Akai is now finished with wrestling but DDT still needs her so would she like to continue working with DDT behind the scenes? Akai thanked Takagi for the offer and said she will help make everyone in DDT shine. Akai was then shown an unexpected video message from Shinsuke Nakamura! He was the person Akai watched that made her hooked on wrestling. He told Akai her wrestling has touched people’s lives and she should use that inspiration to become the person she wants to be in her next stage of life. Akai then gave a speech to the fans. She had her debut match here in Sumo Hall 10 years ago but her view back then and her view now is completely different. She has come to think of DDT and their fans as family. Once she steps out of the ring she will no longer be a wrestler but those family ties will never be broken. Her pro wrestling life was a dream that made her happy and she loves everyone from the bottom of her heart. The ceremony ended with the ten bell salute, her final ring announcement and the ring being filled with streamers.
There were some more comments from everyone during their post-match interviews. Yamashita didn’t feel the impact of it being Akai’s final match until she saw Akai stepping into the ring. She is thankful to be chosen for the match and said it is a great honour to team with Marufuji. In fact, she would like to fight Marufuji herself one day! Marufuji approved of the idea and would like to have a singles match against her if all of the promotions involved agree to it. Higuchi struggled to find the words to say about Akai’s retirement. All he could do is thank her for her hard work. Sakaguchi and Okatani also felt too emotional about the match to talk about it. Akai said she doesn’t know what is going to happen next but if she believes Takagi’s offer is real then she is staying attached to DDT. She heard her mother was in attendance so she wants to go show her she is safe and sound after the match.
Two former friends met in the ring when Tetsuya Endo took on Daisuke Sasaki to see if either of them really have moved on from DAMNATION. Sasaki did his Diving Elbow Drop out of the ring onto Endo in the front row. Endo hit back by putting Sasaki through a table at ringside with the Firebird Splash. Sasaki tried to play mind games by giving Endo a hug but he was pushed away. Endo got a nearfall with the Canadian Destroyer and then went for the Burning Star Press. Sasaki blocked it with his knees and put Endo in the Crossover Face Lock, keeping the pressure up until Endo lost consciousness and the match was stopped. Sasaki swears he heard Endo say “Thank you” to him and that was Endo’s true feelings. Endo said he blanked out until he heard Sasaki’s music playing. He lost but like a phoenix he will come back and start from scratch. Endo has turned negative emotions into energy before and he will do it again to reach the top of DDT.
The DDT Vs All Japan rivalry was on display in Match #6. Jun Akiyama grouped himself with HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya to defend home turf from the Voodoo Murders. It was a chance for Naya to size himself up against Rei Saito before the D-Ou Grand Prix begins. Rei’s brother Jun Saito missed a Lariat aimed for Naya, hitting Toshizo instead by mistake. Naya took over and hit Toshizo with a Knee Lift before pinning him with the World’s Best Back Drop. Naya warned Rei Saito he will show the difference of power between them in the D-Ou Grand Prix.
The return of an ikeman to DDT inspired Takeshi Masada to wear new trunks for his match. He better have felt comfortable in them because Kuroshio TOKYO Japan is back to stretching out his ring entrance for as long as he possibly can. Kuroshio already had several matches back in Japan since leaving WWE but hasn’t won any of them. So he was looking for his first win in a long time against an opponent recommended to him by Takeshita. It was a back and forth match that saw Kuroshio grab victory from the jaws of defeat by pinning Masada with a Crucifix Pin. His advice to Masada is to brush up on the basics. However Kuroshio admits that Masada is better at this stage of his career than he was. He would like to fight him again. Masada was disappointed to go through all this effort to get a new ring costume only to lose.
Takagi made a last minute decision to turn his 8-Man Tag Match into a Japanese Dogeza Match. The goal is to make your opponent kneel down and apologize on the microphone. Takagi tried to force Dieno to make an apology but he refused because he is putting his life on the line. Akito then bribed Dieno with a year’s worth of dog food for his beloved pet dog Haku. Dieno agreed to it until Yoshitatsu stopped him. Yoshitatsu then pulled down the back of Akito’s tights to break up his Ankle Lock on Dieno. Yoshihiko wiped out Makoto Oishi while Dieno put Shinichiro Kawamatsu in the Lip Lock. Super Sasadango Machine instructed the cameraman at ringside to film a close up of Kawamatsu with Dieno in order to cause a massive scandal that will harm Kawamatsu’s political career. In order to protect DDT’s reputation, Takagi got on his knees and apologized to end the match in defeat. Backstage Dieno, Sasadango and Yoshitatsu spoke to each other about their age. They are all 46 years old so they came up with an idea to call themselves Just Same Age. Meanwhile Akito said there are not enough apologies in pro wrestling. He can say that again.
TJPW had more representation on the show with their own 6-Woman Tag Match on the undercard. Yuki Arai scored the pinfall for her team after hitting Wakana Uehara with the Finally axe kick. Arai said she was happy to take part and get to see Akai’s retirement with her own eyes. Shino Suzuki admitted she was nervous because it is her first time wrestling in Sumo Hall. It makes her want to do her best knowing that TJPW will be running their own Sumo Hall show next year. Moka Miyamoto is pleased she was able to show her style to people who have never seen TJPW before. Suzume praised Uehara for her effort and talked about what it was like when she got to wrestle in Sumo Hall so shortly after her debut. Arisu Endo was disappointed to lose but liked that the fans were cheering for her more than she expected.
The next challengers for the All Asia Tag Team Titles proved their worth by winning a Tag Team Rumble. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku outlasted four other teams with KANON & MJ Paul being their biggest threat. By winning this match Okada is confident he and Okada are ready to bring the belts back to BURNING. Koroku said it proves they are serious about winning the All Asia Tag Titles. They don’t have a track record as a team but it’s all about their feelings. They will put their hearts into beating Eruption for the belts next month.
The ROMANCE DAWN continues for Shota & Soma Takao. They successfully defended the KO-D Tag Team Titles against Takanashi & Honda in the opener. Honda gave Takao the Tenzan Tombstone Driver but missed the Diving Fist Drop afterward. Takao recovered to pin Honda with the Gin And Tonic. Shota said Sumo Hall is where Takao made his pro wrestling debut which makes him jealous. They are from different promotions but that means there are many possibilities for where they can defend the KO-D Tag Titles next. Takao said that being able to beat two veterans who debuted before them is another accomplishment for ROMANCE DAWN. Honda revealed he is embarrased to lose to the Gin And Tonic because he is non-alcoholic. Takanashi suggested they should next go after the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles with Brookes.
Yuki Iino appeared midway through the show to explain his recent whereabouts. When Pheromones disbanded he was sent to a facility to remove every trace of Pheromones and sexiness from his body. The treatment was a success and he is now ready to win the D-Ou Grand Prix. He hopes everyone will look forward to seeing the new Yuki Iino.
At the very end of the show, once the credits finished rolling Ueno went into the locker room to celebrate with the rest of the roster. He went over to Akai and gave her a retirement gift and everyone got together for a group message. That got interrupted when wrestlers started going after Hirata for the Iron Man Title. Hirata was chased out of the room by mostly everybody, leaving Ueno behind on his own. Takeshita then walked into the room and stood in front of Ueno. The two had a staredown and then hugged with Takeshita congratulating his friend for finally making it to the top of DDT. Meanwhile Hirata was chased back to ringside where he hid under the ring until the other wrestlers went away. He whispered into the microphone to say goodbye to the audience while Toru Owashi watched him from nearby.
It was announced that “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2024” will be held in Sumo Hall on 21st July, 2024.
1. Ram Kaichow & Chris Kaichow Vs Mad Dr. Ueki & Nurse Gore
2. Masahiro Takanashi Vs Kazusada Higuchi
3. Wasabi Cream Puff Death Match: Antonio Honda Vs Hagane Shinno
4. Mecha MAO (w/ Mad Dr. Ueki) Vs Chieko
DDT “ROAD TO ULTIMATE PARTY 2023 IN SHINJUKU”, 03/11/2023 Shinjuku FACE 385 Fans – Super No Vacancy
1. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku defeated Kazusada Higuchi & Toy Kojima when Koroku submitted Kojima with the Modified Triangle Lancer (7:28).
2. Special Single Match: Masahiro Takanashi defeated Soma Takao with the Bacchus (6:07).
3. Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi defeated HARASHIMA & Kazuma Sumi when Oishi pinned Sumi with the Miracle Ecstasy (9:16).
4. Saki Akai Debut 10th Anniversary Match Final ~ Special Single Match: Saki Akai defeated Kazuki Hirata with the Quetzalcoatl (20:48).
5. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul submitted Tetsuya Endo, Yukio Naya & Rukiya when KANON submitted Rukiya with the Just Cobra Twist (8:07).
6. All Asia Tag Team Titles: Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani defeated Jun Akiyama & Kotaro Suzuki (c) when Sakaguchi pinned Suzuki with the God’s Right Knee (13:25). *BURNING fails in V2. Eruption becomes the 121st All Asia Tag Team Champions!
7. Special Tag Match: Yuki Ueno & MAO defeated Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada when Ueno pinned Masada with the Jul.2 (22:06).
With the exception of a small outdoor show happening tomorrow, today was pretty much DDT’s go home show for “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”. It was the final preview for Chris Brookes against Yuki Ueno. With MAO by his side, Ueno got the win by using his Rolling Guillotine Ace Crusher on Takeshi Masada. That move has a new name by the way. It’s now called the Jul.2 because Ueno’s special match against HUB this year took place on 2nd July. After winning in the main event, Ueno said his match with Brookes at Sumo Hall will go beyond being great and he will definitely win. His goal is to make DDT bigger and get as many people as possible to watch it. However Brookes said backstage that his Dramatic Dream is not over yet. All he is thinking about now is the match at Sumo Hall.
The valuable All Asia Tag Team Titles reached a new milestone to go along with brand new champions. Eruption defeated Jun Akiyama & Kotaro Suzuki to mark another title change in DDT for the belts that normally belong to All Japan. The milestone here is there are now two generations from the same family to have held the All Asia Titles. Yukio Sakaguchi gets to join his father Seiji Sakaguchi in the championship’s lineage. He put Suzuki away with the God’s Right Knee to make himself & Hideki Okatani the new champions. Sakaguchi told reporters he was always the hopeless son but this takes him one step closer to standing in front of his father with pride. He and Okatani will next be entering the annual Real World Tag League in AJPW. They said they will use the All Asia Tag Titles as their tickets to go on a rampage and destroy AJPW as part of DDT’s “Special Attack Team”!
After the match ended but before Sakaguchi gave his speech, the new champions already met their first challengers. Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku got permission from Akiyama to ask for a title shot so they can bring the belts right back to BURNING. Okada said it’s not going to take ability or achievements to win the titles. What he needs is courage and making the challenge is his first step. Koroku lamented about his lack of success since losing the D GENERATIONS CUP final to Masada earlier this year. Meanwhile Okatani has been winning a lot of tag team championships lately. That makes Koroku frustrated and he now wants to take the title from Okatani more than anything else. Once the match gets endorsed by PWF Chairman Dory Funk Jr. we will find out when it will take place.
The matter between Tetsuya Endo and Daisuke Sasaki is getting more personal as we get closer to Sumo Hall. Sasaki gave Endo a Low Blow during their match, which led to KANON submitting Rukiya without anyone there to stop him. Sasaki attacked Endo even further after the match this time with a chair. Endo fought him off by Dropkicking the chair into Sasaki’s face. Endo then got on the microphone and said the six years he spent with Sasaki were irreplaceable but now he is now going to tarnish them. He is now Tetsuya Endo of BURNING and Sasaki has been left behind by the times. Sasaki corrected Endo because he is not behind the times, he is the centre of the times! He told Endo their match at Sumo Hall will just be between them one on one. Meanwhile KANON sent out a warning to Yukio Naya. It’s not The Saito Brothers who will doom Naya in the D-Ou Grand Prix, it will be KANON!
The last dance for Saki Akai is coming soon so today she had her last real dance because her opponent was Kazuki Hirata. Akai’s final singles match in DDT was promised to be fought Strong Style but Hirata immediately contradicted himself by taking out the Hirata GO! glasses. Akai briefly knocked him out with the Tegatana strike to the neck but admitted there is no way her last match with him was going to end without a dance battle. The two put on the glasses and danced. Akai put Hirata in position for the Quetzalcoatl when Hirata called for the match to pause. He knew the match was about to end but before that he wanted to read a letter he wrote for Akai. One by one, wrestlers like HARASHIMA, Ueno, MAO, Brookes and Danshoku Dieno all entered the ring and spoke of their feelings towards her. When they finished, they all left the ring and Akai agreed to restart the match with Hirata with both of them at full power. Akai defeated Hirata in the end and thanked him for being the person she had the most matches with in DDT. She said you wouldn’t see other wrestling companies have people reading heartfelt letters in the middle of their matches. It is ideas like these that made her fall in love with DDT and have no regrets over the ten years she spent with the company.
The recent luck Danshoku Dieno has had has been mixed but seems to be on the uptake since forming D.O.A with Jun Akiyama & Makoto Oishi. His Danshoku Style is still not as strong as it used to be according to Akito. Dieno changed things up by promising not to kiss anyone in the audience during his entrance without their consent. The fans who raised their hands got their kisses from him. Dieno & Oishi’s teamwork was good enough to beat HARASHIMA & Kazuma Sumi. However Dieno is still unsure that D.O.A is going to work out. Oishi told him not to underestimate Akiyama. Just leave everything to him otherwise they will be Dead Or Alive!
Masahiro Takanashi got a measure of revenge for Antonio Honda by beating Soma Takao. They had a series of cradle pins going back and forth until Takanashi got the three count with the Bacchus. Takanashi then made fun of Shota for showing up without being booked for a match. He can tell Shota wanted to fight him today but Takanashi wouldn’t have bothered if that was the match instead. He told ROMANCE DAWN he will be at a ChocoPro show on 10th November, two days before Sumo Hall. He’ll be waiting for them if they want one more fight before the KO-D Tag Team Titles match.
Okada & Koroku winning in the opener was the set up they needed to make the All Asia Tag Titles challenge later in the show.
A messy edition this time around because I wrote most of this up a week ago before going on holiday. Then in the last seven days came the usual landslide of upcoming bookings and match announcements for the following month that I tried to catch up on. That is why some of the graphics below are outdated.
Anyway, this month Konosuke Takeshita is in the same position as he was last month in the whole Don Callis storyline. AEW has really taken a beating with reviews and criticism for their TV shows lately and rightfully so. Thankfully Takeshita got to have a few matches on the indies so he can do his thing more often. Maki Itoh was part of GCW’s visit to Japan so while this article is supposed to be everything DDT related that happens outside of Japan, this still finds a way to be included here. Miyu Yamashita did another group of bookings in America and Miu Watanabe got to join her for a bit. Yamashita also unintentionally made her on-screen WWE debut when she was seen sitting behind the commentary desk on an episode of NXT. May God have mercy on her for having to hear Booker T’s commentary that close in person. Closing out the month was CDK getting to torment the wrestling community in Thailand again.
AEW “DYNAMITE ANNIVERSARY”, 04/10/2023 Stockton Arena, Stockton, California, USA
1. Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho Vs Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher (w/ Don Callis)
LLL “THE HANDS OF FATE”, 20/10/2023 The Oriental Theater, Denver, Colorado, USA
1. Lilith Grimm Vs Miyu Yamashita
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 27/10/2023 Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1. Kyle Fletcher Vs Konosuke Takeshita
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Results
AEW “WRESTLEDREAM”, 01/10/2023 Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington, USA
1. Sammy Guevara, Will Ospreay & Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis) defeated Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi when Guevara pinned Jericho (22:10).
The month kicked off with AEW’s latest PPV being a put together as a tribute to the late Antonio Inoki. For Takeshita, his part on the show was to team up with Sammy Guevara & Will Ospreay to defeat Chris Jericho and The Golden Lovers. Takeshita hit a wall when he went face to face with Kota Ibushi and the two more or less cancelled each other out. The result instead went to Guevara who pinned Jericho after Callis struck Jericho with a baseball bat behind the referee’s back.
AEW “DYNAMITE – ANNIVERSARY”, 04/10/2023 Stockton Arena, Stockton, California, USA
1. Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho defeated Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher (w/ Don Callis) when Omega pinned Fletcher with the One-Winged Angel (15:15).
A few days later Takeshita and Guevara were meant to team up again to fight Jericho & Kenny Omega. However Guevara was not medically cleared to compete so Takeshita teamed up with Kyle Fletcher instead. Omega got Takeshita out of the way with a Snap Dragon Suplex, leaving everything open for The Golden Jets to finish off Fletcher.
WARRIOR “WARRIOR WRESTLING 31”, 06/10/2023 Bendix Arena, South Bend, Indiana, USA
1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Storm Grayson (w/ Frank The Clown) with the Powerdrive Knee (16:09).
Takeshita was back to being a babyface when he returned to Warrior Wrestling. Anybody going against a wrestler accompanied by Frank The Clown would be a babyface no matter what. Storm Grayson needed Frank’s interference to have a chance of winning. Frank pulled the referee out of the ring, got Takeshita to chase him around the venue and grabbed Takeshita’s leg back in the ring to stop his momentum. Grayson followed up by relying an exposed turnbuckle to damage Takeshita’s groin thanks to a missed Helluva Kick and then follow up with a kick between the legs. Takeshita however blocked a second Low Blow, threw Grayson away with the Rollover German Suplex and then pin him with the Powerdrive Knee. Given the way Takeshita was selling the low blow after the match, it does make me wonder if he got an injury that kept him away from the ring for pretty much the rest of the month.
GCW “TO LIVE AND DIE IN TOKYO”, 10/10/2023 Shin-Kiba 1st RING
1. Maki Itoh defeated Jimmy Lloyd with the I.S.D. (9:36).
GCW returned to Japan and Itoh was along for the ride. On night one she took on Jimmy Lloyd by herself and took every big move he threw at her. She kicked out of Piledrivers and even a One-Winged Angel. She fought back violently by using a pizza cutter and also smashing a lighttube over Lloyd’s head. Itoh pulled off the upset by dropping Lloyd with the Itoh Suicide DDT.
SPARK “RISING HEAT WEST”, 11/10/2023 LA Dojo, Carson, California, USA
1. Spark Joshi World Title: Billie Starkz defeated Miyu Yamashita (c) with a Title Belt Attack (15:36). *Miyu Yamashita fails in V2. Billie Starkz becomes the 2nd Spark Joshi World Champion!
Yamashita’s reign as Spark Joshi World Champion came to an end not that long after she became an international triple crown holder. Xtinguish leader Billie Starkz relied on Sumie Sakai’s interference to hit Yamashita with the title belt and become champion.
GCW “THE WRLD ON GCW”, 12/10/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1. Effy, Allie Katch & Maki Itoh defeated Kikutaro, Kikutaro (Abdullah Kobayashi) & Kikutaro (Jimmy Lloyd) when Effy, Katch & Itoh all pinned Kikutaro with a Triple Kokeshi Headbutt (8:20).
Night two of GCW’s Japan tour brought them right into Korakuen Hall. Itoh’s match here was a more lighthearted affair because she teamed up with Bussy to take on not one, not two but three Kikutaros! Itoh did a full Nick Gage style entrance with the crowd. She then used a bull rope with Effy to crotch all three Kikutaros with some added rope burn for extra damage. Itoh attacked the original Kikutaro with a pizza cutter until she realised she couldn’t cut through his mask. She and Bussy then unmasked the other two revealing they were Jimmy Lloyd and Abdullah Kobayashi! The original Kikutaro was then triple teamed with Effy, Allie Katch & Itoh all hitting Kokeshi Headbutts on him at the same time for the finish.
SPARK “RISING HEAT EAST”, 14/10/2023 Engelwood Neighborhood Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
1. Miu Watanabe defeated KiLynn King with the Tear Drop (14:09).
2. Miyu Yamashita defeated Jessie with the Skull Kick (13:13).
Things went off better for the Tokyo Joshi Pro side at SPARK’s next show. Jessie tried to match Yamashita kick to kick but fell to the Skull Kick like so many others.
Miu Watanabe scored a big win over KiLynn King, spinning her powerful opponent around with the Giant Swing in the process. She just about kicked out of the King’s Curse, stunned King with the Laserbeam and pinned her with the Tear Drop.
LLL “THE HANDS OF FATE”, 20/10/2023 The Oriental Theater, Denver, Colorado, USA
1. Miyu Yamashita defeated Lilith Grimm with the Skull Kick (?:??).
Yamashita didn’t have to worry about Heidi Howitzer in Lucha Libre & Laughs this time around. Her opponent instead was Lilith Grimm.
AEW “RAMPAGE”, 25/10/2023 (Aired 27/10/2023) Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1. Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kyle Fletcher with the Wagamama (11:17).
From tag partners to opponents. Takeshita and Fletcher last fought each other one on one in Manchester almost four years ago. Now they fight again this time on American TV. Takeshita used the Wagamama version of his Powerdrive Knee that involves pulling down his kneepad and striking the opponent with the exposed knee. After the match Fletcher attacked Takeshita with a chair in an act of frustration but was stopped by Powerhouse Hobbs and Don Callis. Callis then convinced Fletcher to join his side.
SETUP “SETUP EP.16”, 28/10/2023 The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand
1. SPW Champion Of Singapore & Gatoh Move One And Only Title & SETUP Thailand Openweight Title Unification Match: Shivam (S/c) defeated Masahiro Takanashi (T/c) and Kappa Rockstar (?:??). *???
2. Dramatic Dream Match: Chris Brookes defeated Monomoth with the Praying Mantis Bomb (?:??).
3. IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Titles: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi defeated Anont Alonzo & Mister Suchart when Brookes pinned Alonzo after the Thrust Kick & Praying Mantis Bomb with Takanashi (?:??) *THE GOOD DEAL fail in V?. CDK become the 11th IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Champions!
CDK went and caused a lot of havoc in Thailand at the end of the month. Chris Brookes defeated Monomoth in what was advertised as the main event Dramatic Dream Match but cheated to do so. He gave Monomoth a Low Blow before finishing him off with the Praying Mantis Bomb. CDK then demanded an impromptu tag title match against SETUP’s tag champions THE GOOD DEAL. They beat the champs to win the IWA Japan SETUP World Tag Team Titles.
Earlier in the show Masahiro Takanashi lost his SETUP Thailand Openweight Title in a 3 Way Match. His original match against Paksa was changed on short notice to a 3 Way Match with Shivam and Kappa Rockstar. Shivam ended up winning the match and all of the championships involved in it.
REPUBLIC OF LUCHA “ROL VI VI VI: LA NOCHE DE WALPURGIS”, 30/10/2023 Republic Of Lucha, South Pasadena, California, USA
1. Penta el Zero Miedo & Konosuke Takeshita defeated Sami Callihan & Shun Skywalker when Penta pinned Skywalker with the Fear Factor onto a stack of chairs (?:??).
This match was originally meant to be Takeshita and The Lucha Brothers teaming up against Shun Skywalker and La Rebellion. Well that didn’t happen. For a variety of reasons from Rey Fenix being injured and La Rebellion recently splitting up (I think? All I heard about the NWA PPV was it included a comedy scene where a bunch of wrestlers did cocaine on camera which is both the least NWA thing ever and also the most NWA thing ever), the match was changed to Takeshita & Penta el Zero Miedo taking on Skywalker & Sami Callihan. The match featured the unexpected inclusion of actor Jason Segel when Callihan found him in the crowd, threw Penta onto his lap and then Super Kicked them. Takeshita and Penta used some good teamwork together on Skywalker, leading to Penta crashing him through a bunch of chairs with a Package Piledriver for the win.
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Iron Man Title In USA
But wait, there’s more. The Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title was taken to America this month too thanks to Hiromu Takahashi. The New Japan wrestler won the belt just before his company’s return to the USA so he was obligated to bring it with him. He was targeted by Danny Limelight during the show but made it out safe and sound as champion. It wasn’t until Takahashi was back at his hotel room when he was completely defenceless. Sumie Sakai snuck into his room with a referee and they found Takahashi sleeping on his bed. However the ref noticed that Takahashi’s iPhone was lying on his chest so he treated it as a pin, counted to three and declared Yellow iPhone 14 as the new champion! Sakai immediately grabbed the phone and pinned it on the floor to win the title. Her celebration was quickly cut off when Takahashi rolled her over with a School Boy to get the belt back and send everyone out of his room. At the time of writing Takahashi is back in Japan with the title but is still getting ambushed backstage at New Japan shows by other wrestlers who want to be the Iron Man Champion.
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Upcoming Appearances
GCW “PLEASE, BUDDY”, 03/11/2023 Pop’s Nightclub, Sauget, Illinois, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Shazza McKenzie
This was a match originally booked by GCW back in May but was changed into a multiple woman free for all. Itoh and Shazza McKenzie have only wrestled each other in those kind of scramble matches so if plans don’t change again then there first singles match will take place here.
DAIKAIJU PRO “VOL. 1 – THE KAPPAS WALK AMONG US”, 04/11/2023 White Eagle, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
1. Shoko Nakajima Vs VENY
America gets the first time ever Shoko Nakajima Vs VENY match. The two met in the ring for the first time earlier this year in DDT for one of Saki Akai’s 10th Anniversary celebration matches. Their next meeting is in somewhere very different, the new Daikaiju Pro group.
GCW “¿SI OR NO?”, 04/11/2023 Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1. Maki Itoh, Effy & Allie Katch Vs Jordan Oliver, Davey Bang & August Matthews
The match in Japan worked out for them so Itoh is now teaming up with Effy & Allie Katch to form the unbeatable force known as… Maki Death Bussy! Their opponents is also a trio of teams mashed up together. Jordan Oliver, Davey Bang & August Matthews are going by the name Young, Dumb & Bros.
EVE “FRIDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING”, 10/11/2023 Big Penny Social, Walthamstow, London, England
1. International Princess Title: Max The Impaler (c) Vs Kasey
The relationship between TJPW and EVE extends even further with Max The Impaler’s arrival in England. EVE has been given permission to have Max defend the International Princess Title against their upcoming opponent Kasey. The winner will next have a title defence in Japan against Shoko Nakajima.
GCW “GOING AND GOING”, 17/11/2023 Washington Hall, Seattle, Washington, USA
1. Maki Itoh & Nick Gage Vs X
Not a guarantee that Maki Death Kill are teaming up just because they get advertised together.
HOODSLAM “RED”, 18/11/2023 Continental Club, Oakland, California, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
Itoh returns to Hoodslam. I hear things in their shows are getting a bit out of control over there lately.
EVE “WRESTLE QUEENDOM”, 19/11/2023 The Dome, Tufnell Park, London, England
1. EVE Title: Miyu Yamashita (c) Vs Safire Reed
Yamashita will have become a year long EVE Champion by the time her next appearance and title defence on their shows takes place. The next big challenger being built up for her is Safire Reed, the winner of this year’s SHE-1 tournament. Reed got to beat two of Yamashita’s previous EVE opponents to get here too. She has wins over Emersyn Jayne and Alex Windsor.
LLL “DEEP HURTING”, 22/11/2023 The Oriental Theater, Denver, Colorado, USA
1. 3 Way Match: Lilith Grimm Vs Maki Itoh Vs Stormi Renee
Grimm gets another crack at a TJPW talent in Lucha Libre & Laughs, this time against Itoh. It’s a Triple Threat match though with Stormi Renee also in the mix.
SPW “VIVA LA LUCHA!”, 24/11/2023 Foo Chow Building, Singapore
1. Queen Of Asia Title: Alexis Lee (c) Vs Yuki Kamifuku
A second chance for Yuki Kamifuku. She fought Alexis Lee in Singapore Pro Wrestling for the Queen Of Asia Title back in January this year but lost. Since then Lee also successfully defended the title against Saki Akai.
GCW “WRESTLECADE WEEKEND”, 24/11/2023 Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs Kenzie Paige
Now here’s something interesting. Kenzie Paige is currently the NWA World Women’s Champion. Does that play into this match against Itoh in any way shape or form? Or does GCW just ignore that and tell her that Itoh is going over, sister!
BLACK LABEL PRO “SLAMILTON”, 02/12/2023 Berwyn Eagles Club, Berwyn, Illinois, USA
1. Rachel Armstrong Vs Maki Itoh
In another era that image above would be a King Of Trios team. Instead Itoh’s appearance in Black Label Pro is fighting against Rachel Armstrong.
GCW “WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?”, 03/12/2023 Roulette Intermedium, Brooklyn, New York, USA
1. Maki Itoh Vs X
You know what would be a fun idea? Sayaka Unagi is booked on GCW’s other show that weekend. Put her and Itoh in a match together for old time’s sake.
DREAMWAVE “UPRISING”, 08/12/2023 Knights of Columbus, LaSalle, Illinois, USA
1. Shazza McKenzie Vs Miyu Yamashita
A rematch from ROH earlier this year. Fingers crossed we get the same result.
DREAMWAVE “GOOD AS GOLD”, 09/12/2023 Knights of Columbus, LaSalle, Illinois, USA
Well, well, well, what do we have here? Yamashita and Emi Sakura in the same ring on the same team at the same time? They were on opposite sides once before and that was on a DPW show during the summer. Now we get to see how they will fare when they on the same page. Zayda Steel & Zamaya could be in for a rough night if their opponents gel together really well.
SKYFIRE PRO “NAVIDAD NIGHTMARE”, 10/12/2023 Bay City Brewing Co., San Diego, California, USA
1. Shota Vs X
Shota is heading back to America for an end of year tour. First stop for him is at Skyfire Pro Lucha Libre in San Diego.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO/PRESTIGE “COMBAT PRINCESS USA”, 14/12/2023 Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh Vs Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly
Free WiFi and Pom Harajuku have been added to the show.
PANDEMONIUM PRO “HOLIDAY IN LA”, 17/12/2023 Don Quixote, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. Vinnie Massaro Vs Shota
2. Mike Bailey Vs Miyu Yamashita
Shota will also be on the same Pandemonium Pro show that’s hosting Yamashita versus Mike Bailey. He takes on indy journeyman Vinnie Massaro.
CIRCLE 6 “KING OF THE DEATHMATCHES”, 30/12/2023 Don Quixote, Los Angeles, California, USA
1. MAO Vs X
Circle 6 is one of the messier deathmatch promotions going on in the scene right now but MAO likes wrestling there so he’s going back to party with them for New Year’s.
1. Ram Kaichow & Chris Kaichow defeated Mad Dr. Ueki & Nurse Gore when Ram pinned Gore with the Rainmaker (?:??).
2. Kazusada Higuchi defeated Masahiro Takanashi with the Modified Canadian Backbreaker (?:??).
3. Wasabi Cream Puff Death Match: Hagane Shinno defeated Antonio Honda when Honda ate the Wasabi Cream Puff (?:??).
4. Mecha MAO (w/ Mad Dr. Ueki) defeated Chieko with a Body Press (?:??).
Things were not all as they seem for the visitors to the Halloween edition of Baka Gaijin + Friends. In the main event the room got a visit from the haunted spectre of Chieko, who was looking for a fight. Mad Dr. Ueki answered the challenge by calling forth his big experiment in its finished form. Earlier in the summer Dr. Ueki collected a sample of MAO’s DNA. Over time he infused Mecha Mummy with the DNA, morphing it into his ultimate creation… Mecha MAO! Using the powers of MAO and Mecha Mummy combined the merged fighter still had trouble shaking off Chieko. She used her ghostly powers to send MAO’s Rocket Punch towards Ueki instead of herself. Ueki then ordered MAO to self destruct but it resisted the command. Chieko tried to stop it too until MAO went ahead and caused its chest to explode. MAO then fell on top of Chieko which counted as a pin and resulted in a three count. When the dust settled MAO and Ueko embraced.
Both Antonio Honda and Hagane Shinno entered the ARENA Shimokitazawa dressed in bee costumes. They intended to play a song by their band Daisetz for the fans in attendance but forgot to bring their instruments. Each blamed each other and decided there was only one match they could do to solve their dispute… a Wasabi Cream Puff Death Match! Daisuke Kiso held out a pan filled with cream puffs, one of which was filled with wasabi. Every time a wrestler was pinned for a two count they would have to eat a cream puff. If it was the cream puff filled with wasabi then they would lose. Honda and Shinno pinned each other once but both ate a safe cream puff. Honda used Gongitsune to pin Shinno only for the third puff to be safe too. What looked to become a Bionic Elbow duel instead turned into Shinno pinning Honda with a Backslide Pin. With two puffs left Honda made his choice and spat it out into the fans! It was the wasabi puff meaning Shinno was the winner.
Masahiro Takanashi didn’t show up wearing any silly costumes because he thinks Halloween is for kids. He made fun of the audience for coming to the show all dressed up but that attracted the attention of Kazusada Higuchi in his sumo gear. He easily overpowered Takanashi which caused Takanashi to change tactics. He grabbed whatever he could of Higuchi whether it was a finger or an ear and started twisting. He then poured a glass of beer into Higuchi’s mouth and swirled his head around to get him drunk. He then grabbed this month’s ring announcer Shota (dressed as Super Mario) and threw him into Higuchi. That did nothing to Takanashi threw Higuchi head first into a wooden pillar. That did nothing either. If that wasn’t enough, Higuchi’s hard head no sold getting hit with a bamboo stick too! A ref bump gave Takanashi the chance to grab his SETUP World Tag Team Titles belt to use as a weapon but Shota stopped him. Shota grabbed the belt off him and took a swing. Takanashi ducked and Higuchi got hit instead. However Takanashi’s luck finally ran out when Shota gave him a Codebreaker and Higuchi lifted him up into the Canadian Backbreaker to make him give up in front of the revived referee.
The first signs of fun that awaited everyone was Chris Brookes showing up in full Ram Kaichow facepaint. The real Ram Kaichow didn’t like seeing Brookes behave just like her, movements and all. Their opponents were Mad Dr. Ueki & Dr. Gore, who showed up as Nurse Gore because Ueki is already the doctor here. Ueki took Kaichow lightly even when she was armed with a stapler. He encouraged her to staple his forehead and proudly showed that it didn’t hurt him. What did hurt him was Kaichow stapling him in the groin afterward. Brookes lifted Kaichow up onto his shoulers and propellar spun her around to kick Gore. Ueki & Gore did their own teamwork by piling on top of Kaichow together only for Brookes to break the pin with a Double Stomp. Brookes then blinded Gore with Ectoplasm and Kaichow pinned him with the Rainmaker. The two Kaichows then fought over each other to soak in the cheers for “Kaichow”.
At the end of the show Brookes announced the next event on 12th December will celebrate Baka Gaijin’s 1st Anniversary. It also already has a main event in place. Brookes will face Munetatsu Nakamura from Ganbare☆Pro! Brookes explained that when he wrestled in Japan for the first time five years ago, Nakamura was just a fan who bought his merchandise. It would be a special idea for Brookes to face somebody who begun as a fan of his and then became a pro wrestler.
Posted by JamieOD 
