DDT “GOD BLESS DDT 2023”, 22/10/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall 800 Fans
0. Dark Match: Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda defeated Soma Takao & Yuni when Honda pinned Yuni with a Modified Leg Clutch Hold (7:53).
1. Special Single Match: MIKAMI defeated Kazuma Sumi with the Swanton Bomb (5:57).
2. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul defeated Tetsuya Endo, Toy Kojima & Rukiya when KANON pinned Rukiya with the Sleepy Hollow (9:25).
3. Yukio Naya Vs Yuya Koroku ended in a No Contest when The Saito Brothers attacked Naya (5:17).
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Jun Akiyama, Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi defeated defeated Kazusada Higuchi, Akito & Yusuke Okada when Dieno pinned Akito with the Danshoku Driver (7:52).
5. Saki Akai Debut 10th Anniversary Match Vol. 4 ~ Special Tag Match: Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani defeated Saki Akai & Chihiro Hashimoto when Sakaguchi pinned Akai with the God’s Right Knee (12:19).
6. DDT Extreme Title & Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Let’s Enjoy! Everyone Will Have A Great Time Death Match: Kazuki Hirata (E/c) defeated Takeshi Masada (I/c) by Countout (15:27). *V4 for Kazuki Hirata. V? For Takeshi Masada.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Kazuki Hirata defeated Takeshi Masada (c) with the Miracle One Shot Cradle (1:30 pm). *Kazuki Hirata becomes the 1,583rd champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Hiromu Takahashi defeated Kazuki Hirata (c) with a School Boy (1:32 pm). *Hiromu Takahashi becomes the 1,584th champion.
7. Road To Ultimate Party 2023! Special Tag Match: Chris Brookes & HARASHIMA defeated Yuki Ueno & MAO when Brookes pinned Ueno with the Praying Mantis Bomb (22:11).
The upcoming Sumo Hall main event was previewed at today’s Korakuen Hall show. Chris Brookes and Yuki Ueno showed respect to each other but neither wants to lose. The competitive atmosphere carried over to the other wrestlers in the match. Brookes was teaming with HARASHIMA while Ueno teamed with MAO. This pairing of The 37KAMIINA hit their unique version of the MADMAX to Brookes but HARASHIMA broke up the pin by hitting Ueno with the Somato. Brookes then dodged the BME and gave Ueno a Piledriver only for MAO to break the pin. HARASHIMA got rid of MAO allowing Brookes to finish off his upcoming challenger. He hit a Buzzsaw Kick, the Diving Double Knee Drop and then the Praying Mantis Bomb to score the win over Ueno.
After the match Brookes said he and Ueno are both friends and rivals wanting to show their ideal vision of DDT. They can have a great match in the main event of “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023” on 12th November but Brookes thinks he is going to win at Sumo Hall. Backstage both HARASHIMA and MAO spoke about how happy they were to see Brookes and Ueno wrestle each other before Sumo Hall because recently one would get sick and the other would get injured. Ueno knows how strong Brookes is but that will not stop him on his mission to become the best in DDT!
When Takeshi Masada’s lack of a social life was discovered by DDT it was all up to Kazuki Hirata to find a way to fix it. Their double title match would use a stipulation that can teach Masada how to open up and have fun with people. The match started off normally until a few minutes in when music began to play and a group of masked people entered the ring. They assisted Hirata in teaching Masada by playing games of Jenga and basketball as well as putting together a drinking party in the ring. Masada enjoyed the experience and was having fun until Hirata and the masked men attacked him! He fought them off and was then chased around the venue. Masada soon realised he was being counted out and he rushed back to the ring. But just when he made it to the apron at the 19 count Hirata knocked him to the floor. Masada was counted out and Hirata recorded a successful DDT Extreme Title defence.
However the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title held by Masada cannot be won by a countout so the result counted as a successful title defence for Masada as well. The two shook hands until Hirata rolled Masada into the Miracle One Shot Cradle. The masked men piled on top helping Hirata get the three count and win the Iron Man Title after all! The masked men dragged Masada away from ringside while Hirata explained he needed to become a double champion to make his Sumo Hall match with Hiromu Takahashi next month an even bigger deal. But while he was saying this, Takahashi suddenly ran into the ring and pinned him with a School Boy to become the new Iron Man Champion! He celebrated the championship now belonging to a New Japan wrestler and admitted he doesn’t even want the belt. He just took a shot at winning it because the opportunity was there. The actual reason he showed up today was to ask Hirata what the rules for their match on 12th November is going to be? Hirata said he cannot decide now but promised it will be something fun for them and the fans. Hirata then tried to win back the Iron Man Title and chased Takahashi around ringside.
Saki Akai’s road to retirement hit a rough patch this weekend. Yesterday Eruption lost the AJPW TV 6-Man Tag Team Titles in All Japan with Akai dropping the fall. Today in DDT Akai had a special tag match where she faced against the other two members of Eruption. Backing her up though was Chihiro Hashimoto from Sendai Girls. The power of Hashimoto was on show when she used German Suplexes to throw around Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani. Akai had Sakaguchi on the ropes by hitting the Rookie Award and she tried to finish him off with the Quetzalcoatl. But Sakaguchi blocked the move and came off better in a High Kick exchange. Akai kicked out from a Right High Kick at 2 but was put away with the God’s Right Knee.
After the match Sakaguchi and Hashimoto exchanged words to let everyone know they want to fight each other again. Hashimoto also praised Akai for being strong, cool and beautiful. She asked her to continue being like this until she reties. Sakaguchi asked Akai not to cry because it would make everyone else sad too, even himself and Okatani. Today is the last time Akai wrestled in Korakuen for DDT so she should get to talk about it. Akai said Okatani’s growth has been her purpose in life lately. She thanked him for joining Eruption. She also thanked Sakaguchi for teaching her so much from her fighting spirit to her wrestling techniques. She hopes he will continue being everyone’s big brother. Until Akai’s wrestling career ends she will continue to represent Eruption.
The teams in Match #4 were slightly switched around by Danshoku Dieno’s request. Makoto Oishi and Yusuke Okada swapped sides based on Okada’s recent interactions with Dieno and his weakened state. The result of this was Dieno, Oishi & Jun Akiyama working unexpectedly well together as a trio. They won the match against Okada, Kazusada Higuchi & Akito. Oishi thought things worked so well that they should team up more often. Dieno disagreed so Oishi tried to convince him that a person like Akiyama who has had many ups and downs in his career can help Dieno get out of his current slump. Oishi already decided on a team name. Take the D from Danshoku, the O from Oishi and the A from Akiyama and you get D.O.A which also stands for Dead Or Alive! Oishi wants D.O.A to fight for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles once Eruption vacates them. Akiyama agreed to take part but only if the D.O.A splits up if they fail. Dieno doesn’t like the idea but he’s now stuck with it.
The Yukio Naya Vs Yuya Koroku match was interrupted by the sudden appearance of The Saito Brothers! The Voodoo Murders team from All Japan entered the ring and attacked Naya, causing the match to get thrown out. Koroku and Toy Kojima were attacked too until HARASHIMA ran down for the save. Rei Saito grabbed the microphone and complained about Naya disrespecting him and his brother lately. They are going to spend the next few months destroying him! They will be fighting Naya in a tag match at Sumo Hall next month and Rei Saito is taking part in the D-Ou Grand Prix this year, entering in the same block as Naya! Jun Saito warned everyone the D in D-Ou is the same D you will find in “DOOM!”
Daisuke Sasaki is taking his upcoming singles match with Tetsuya Endo very personally. DAMNATION T.A beat Endo today with KANON pinning Rukiya but Sasaki was focused on Endo’s fallen body outside the ring when the match ended. Sasaki told Endo what’s going on now has nothing to do with DAMNATION or BURNING. It is all about their match at Sumo Hall on 12th November. He will not let anybody get in the way of it. Endo agreed with the comments backstage, saying the match will be a pure fight between two people. He doesn’t want anything else to get mixed up in it.
One of DDT’s legends returned to the promotion today to wrestle one of the company’s prospects. MIKAMI defeated Kazuma Sumi by hitting the Mickey Boomerang (the 619 before Rey Mysterio even used it as an offensive maneuver, that’s how long MIKAMI has been around) and following it up with the Swanton Bomb. MIKAMI said Sumi has a long way to go but he’s got something good to work with. They can team up next time so Sumi can learn some MIKAMI-ism skills to his repertoire. MIKAMI then threw his name out as the next challenger for the DDT Extreme Title. He was the very first Extreme Champion when the title was created in 2006. He later approached Hirata backstage to challenge him in person. Their title match will take place on 16th November.
The dark match gave Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda some prep time for their KO-D Tag Team Titles challenge at Sumo Hall. One-half of the champions Soma Takao was on the opposing team with Yuni. The other half Shota was there at ringside and even got lured in by Honda’s Gongitsune joke. Yuni took over with an RKO to Honda but he missed a Moonsault. Honda then rolled him up with a Rolling Leg Clutch for the victory.
There was a lot of newsworthy stuff on the show away from the matches in-ring. Chris Jericho sent in a video message for Konosuke Takeshita. He showered praise towards Takeshita for already creating a great pro wrestling legacy in DDT and AEW. Jericho admits he should be angry over Takeshita’s constant attacks on him but instead he wants to give him a gift. He promised he will give Takeshita the best match of his career at Sumo Hall. On that night Takeshita will learn that Jericho is the greatest wrestler of all time and he is just an idiot!
Hisaya Imabayashi revealed a new addition to “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”. It’s the DDT return of the man formerly known as Jiro “Ikemen” Kuroshio! After announcing his return to the Japanese wrestling scene this month, this person is now being called Kuroshio TOKYO Japan! He is still the same old Kuroshio though, taking his sweet time entering the ring while “HELLO” played in the background. When he finally did speak he said Takeshita recommended he challenge Masada to a match. Masada was surprised to hear this and accepted. He was already booked for a Tag Gauntlet on the show but Imabayashi agreed to change the card so this match can go ahead.
The D-Ou Grand Prix 2023 blocks were announced at the beginning of the show. Block A contains Yuki Ueno, Tetsuya Endo, Kazusada Higuchi, Daisuke Sasaki, HARASHIMA and Yuki Iino. Block B has Chris Brookes, MAO, Yukio Naya, KANON, Kazuki Hirata and Rei Saito. The tournament will be Iino’s return to DDT after Pheromones broke up. He is currently away getting rehabilitated to remove whatever Pheromones was left inside him.
DDT “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”, 12/11/2023 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
1. 5 Way Tag Match: KANON & MJ Paul Vs Naruki Doi & Kazuma Sumi Vs Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Toy Kojima & Yuki Ishida Vs Takeshi Masada & Rukiya
2. Tokyo Joshi Pro Offer 6-Woman Tag Match: X, X & X Vs X, X & X
3. Special 8-Man Tag Match: Sanshiro Takagi, Akito, Makoto Oishi & Shinichiro Kawamatsu Vs Yoshitatsu, Yoshihiko, Danshoku Dieno & Super Sasadango Machine
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ DDT Vs VOODOO-MURDERS: Jun Akiyama, HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya Vs Jun Saito, Rei Saito & Toshizo
5. Special Single Match: Daisuke Sasaki Vs Tetsuya Endo
6. Special Single Match: Hiromu Takahashi Vs Kazuki Hirata
7. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Soma Takao & Shota (c) Vs Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda
8. DDT Universal Title: Matt Cardona (c) (w/ Steph De Lander) Vs MAO
9. Saki Akai Retirement Match ~Strong, Noble, Beautiful~: Saki Akai, Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani Vs Naomichi Marufuji, Kazusada Higuchi & Miyu Yamashita
10. Dramatic Dream Match: Chris Jericho Vs KONOSUKE TAKESHITA
11. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) Vs Yuki Ueno
During her retirement road Saki Akai has said she wants her pro wrestling career to end like a flower that scatters beautifully, not one that withers and dies of decay. For her final ever match she chose three opponents that have the most power to scatter her petals. Eruption will have a 6-Man Tag Match against Naomichi Marufuji from NOAH, former member Kazusada Higuchi and Miyu Yamashita from Tokyo Joshi Pro. Marufuji was chosen because Akai wants to stay so strong until the end that she is able to beat “The boss next door”. It will be the first time Marufuji wrestles on a DDT only show since November 2020 (not counting the 2021 CyberFight Festival). The KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles will not be on the line because everyone is taking part in the match for Akai instead of a championship. A press conference was held today to announce this match along with the rest of the card for “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”. Akai said at the conference that she still does not feel like she is approaching her final match. As a pro wrestler she will continue to do her best.
Hideki Okatani said he is happy to be part of Akai’s retirement match as a member of Eruption. They are double crown champions because of Akai and he is grateful to her for that. Yukio Sakaguchi admitted he is at a loss for words. For the last ten years Akai is probably the one person he’s been closest to, through all the good times to the bad. Higuchi said he has nothing but gratitude and respect for everyone in Eruption. He will express that to Akai when they are in the ring against each other. Yamashita is really happy to be included because her debut happened in the same venue on the same weekend as Akai’s debut, just one day before her. They privately hang out together and often talk about pro wrestling with each other. She wants Akai and herself to keep kicking each other until the end. Marufuji wondered why he was chosen but he wants to get a clear understanding of who Saki Akai is and how she wants her final match to end. Does she want to win by herself or win with the help of her friends? He warned her that if she does not want any bruises then she better wear gear with cushioning in it. Marufuji & Higuchi aren’t going to take it easy on Akai with their Chops and neither is Yamashita with her kicks!
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The rest of the card was revealed today. The tag team division has gone in a completely different direction thanks to ROMANCE DAWN winning the KO-D Tag Team Titles so quickly after DAMNATION T.A claimed the vacant belts. Now we have Shota & Soma Takao getting a big spot on the show in a title defence against Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda. That team is getting the shot based on Chris Brookes’s recommendation since he’s already busy with the main event to take part.
Daisuke Sasaki and Tetsuya Endo are facing each other in a singles match. This is coming off yesterday’s show when Sasaki tried to offer Endo a spot in DAMNATION T.A. Endo refused out of respect for the original DAMNATION they were both a part of. He has no interest in joining the current version of the group because it has not surpassed the first rendition. Endo then flipped the idea on its head by suggesting to reporters that Sasaki join BURNING instead. It would be a chance for Sasaki to discover a brand new side to him. Imagine Sasaki if he grew up with a Kenta Kobashi influence. I just can’t picture it.
DDT’s working relationship with All Japan has a place on the show. The VOODOO-MURDERS are rampaging over to Sumo Hall! It will be up to the combined forces of Jun Akiyama, HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya to stop them. The Saito Brothers have been one of the more visible players in Japan’s tag team scene recently. I don’t know what to think about Toshizo. If that’s not enough AJPW goodness for you then how about another serving of Yoshitatsu in the match before that?
The participants in the TJPW Offer Match will be revealed during “WRESTLE PRINCESS IV” on 9th October.
An update on Chris Brookes and his injured shoulder was put out by DDT today. Doctors found some damage to his shoulder but not enough to get in the way of his wrestling activities. As a precaution DDT are keeping him off their shows for two weeks. Brookes is expected to wrestle again at the 14th October show in Hokkaido.
DDT “SAKI AKAI 10TH ANNIVERSARY & FINAL COUNT DOWN IN KYOTO!!”, 30/09/2023 Kyoto KBS Hall
1. Kazusada Higuchi & Rukiya Vs Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku
2. Yukio Naya & Shinichiro Kawamatsu Vs Makoto Oishi & Toy Kojima
3. Pheromones Final Countdown In Kyoto: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Yuni & Kazuma Sumi
4. Special Single Match: KANON Vs Takeshi Masada
5. Kazuki Hirata & Akito Vs Yuki Ueno & MAO
6. BURNING Vs DAMNATION T.A!: Tetsuya Endo & Jun Akiyama Vs Daisuke Sasaki & MJ Paul
7. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani (c) Vs HARASHIMA, Masahiro Takanashi & Mei Suruga
Sanshiro Takagi will miss this weekend’s shows after being diagnosed with a contagious form of dry eye.
DDT “GOD BLESS DDT 2023 TOUR IN OSAKA”, 01/10/2023 Osaka City Minato Ward Citizens Center
1. Pheromones Final Countdown In Osaka: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Makoto Oishi & Yuni
2. Tetsuya Endo & Jun Akiyama Vs Hideki Okatani & Rukiya
3. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul Vs Akito, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku
4. Osaka Specialty 3 Way Match: “brother” YASSHI Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Kazuma Sumi
5. Special Single Match: Yukio Naya Vs Takeshi Masada
6. Special 6-Man Tag Match: HARASHIMA, Masahiro Takanashi & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Yuki Ueno, MAO & Toy Kojima
Takagi being missing from the shows leads to Yuni coming in to fill the gap.
DDT “GOD BLESS DDT 2023 TOUR IN SHINJUKU”, 04/10/2023 Shinjuku FACE
1. Kazuki Hirata & Makoto Oishi Vs Takeshi Masada & Kazuma Sumi
2. Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai Vs HARASHIMA & Gota Ihashi
3. Pheromones Final ~ Special 8-Man Tag Match: Yuki “Sexy” Iino, Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari & Koju “Shining Ball” Takeda Vs Akito, Yuki Ueno, MAO & Toy Kojima
4. Special Tag Match: Tetsuya Endo & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Daisuke Sasaki & MJ Paul
5. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Minoru Fujita & KANON (c) Vs Soma Takao & Shota
Tetsuya Endo & Kazusada Higuchi are teaming up for the first time since the dreaded match at “CYBERFIGHT FESTIVAL 2022” where Endo got knocked out. They join forces to fight Daisuke Sasaki & MJ Paul.
DDT “GOD BLESS DDT 2023”, 22/10/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1. Special Single Match: MIKAMI Vs Kazuma Sumi
2. Saki Akai Debut 10th Anniversary Match Vol. 4 ~ Special Tag Match: Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani Vs Saki Akai & Chihiro Hashimoto
The next stop on Saki Akai’s retirement road accomplishes two things at once. First is a chance to team up with Chihiro Hashimoto for the first time. The rare times they’ve been in the ring together were as opponents. Second is Akai facing the rest of Eruption. This time she will be fighting not with Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani but against them!
Recent communication between Kazuma Sumi and MIKAMI had resulted in MIKAMI planning to show up in DDT again. Sumi wants to learn from DDT’s original high flyer and inherit his skills. If we are getting the full MIKAMI experience then that means a ladder will be brought into play.
DDT “WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2023”, 24/09/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall 967 Fans – No Vacancy
0. Dark Match: Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku defeated Kazuma Sumi & Rukiya when Koroku submitted Rukiya with the Triangle Lancer (8:42).
1. Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul defeated Hideki Okatani, Yuni & Takeshi Masada when Sasaki pinned Yuni with the Vietnam Driver IV (7:43).
2. Pheromones Final Countdown In Korakuen ~ 3 Way Tag Match: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno defeated Kazuki “Magnum” Hirata & Naruki Doi and Akito & Antonio “FOXY” Honda when Iino submitted Akito with the Eiffel Tower (7:24).
3. Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama, Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya defeated Yuji Hino, Makoto Oishi, HARASHIMA & Yukio Sakaguchi when Naya pinned Oishi with The World’s Largest Back Drop (13:39).
4. Special Tag Match ~ DDT Vs AJPW: Yuki Ueno & Toy Kojima defeated Atsuki Aoyagi & Dan Tamura when Ueno pinned Tamura with the BME (10:12).
5. DDT Universal Title: Matt Cardona (c) (w/ Steph De Lander) defeated Maki Itoh by Pinfall (15:03). *V1 for Matt Cardona.
6. Special Single Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA defeated MAO with the Wagamama (11:28).
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) defeated Saki Akai by Referee Stoppage with the Modified Octopus Stretch (21:00). *V2 for Chris Brookes.
In the last ten years as a pro wrestler, Saki Akai had never competed for the KO-D Openweight Title before today. With retirement from the business around the corner, Akai was chosen by Chris Brookes to be his next challenger so they could have a rematch of their 2021 bout at Korakuen Hall, this time in front of an audience. Akai went into the match determined to show this opportunity was earned and wasn’t given to her out of charity. She fired with a Big Boot from the beginning but Brookes quickly turned things around by doing a Death Valley Bomb on the ring apron. The challenger had to pull out some deep moves to fight back, including her old Riemann Galaxy submission as well as the Takatonic. The two wrestlers found themselves fighting on the top rope where Akai dropped Brookes with the Avalanche Quetzalcoatl. However Akai wasn’t able to pin him afterwards, giving Brookes valuable recovery time. Brookes powered out of a Triangle Choke but was given the regular version of the Quetzalcoatl. To Akai’s surprise it only got a two count, marking it one of the rare times when her finisher did not end her opponent. Brookes fought back with a Piledriver, Double Knee Drop, Buzzsaw Kicks and the Praying Mantis Bomb but Akai kicked out of all of them. Brookes had to twist and pull Akai apart with the Octopus Stretch until Yukinori Matsui called for the match to end.
After the match Brookes reminded the fans he will face Akai again on 30th September, this time with the roles reversed because Eruption are defending the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles against CDK & Mei Suruga. He thanked Akai for doing her best and asked her to continue doing so until her retirement because we only live once. Brookes next wanted to talk about his next KO-D Title defence at “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023” on 12th November. Yuki Ueno walked out to the ring and appealed for the title shot. Brookes accepted and the two talked about being close friends for the last four years even though they hang out in seperate units. He wants the best challenger at the biggest stage so he’s fighting Ueno at Sumo Hall! Backstage Akai spoke about the pressure and responsibility she felt going into today’s main event. She is going to fight for herself as well as for everyone who supports her starting with the KO-D 6-Man Tag Title match taking place in Kyoto. She wants to pin Brookes in her hometown to clear up her regrets from today!
It turned out Konosuke Takeshita did not come back to DDT alone this time around. Midway during Takeshita’s match with MAO, his manager Don Callis walked down to ringside. MAO was taken aback by his appearance but kept his focus on the match. He tried to go big with the Avalanche Michinoku Driver but Takeshita blocked the move and turned it into an Avalanche Driver of his own. MAO tried to turn things around with a Palm Strike but Takeshita worn him down with Jumping Knee Strikes and the Zahi to get the win. Despite the recent differences between the two, Takeshita encouraged MAO after the match to take his own path because he is proving his style of pro wrestling can be successful around the world. They both joined DDT as teenagers and they are already in their late twenties so Takeshita thinks it is time for MAO to make decisions for himself.
Takeshita then introduced the DDT audience to Don Callis and spoke about how much they get booed in America. He said the Don Callis Family is only getting started so the entire pro wrestling world should pay attention to them from this point forward. Takeshita revealed his next appearance in DDT will be at “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023” where he would like to make everyone dream again. Suddenly the lights in the room went out and a video played on the screen. The video is sent by Chris Jericho and he is challenging Takeshita to a singles match at Sumo Hall! Jericho listed all of the Japanese wrestling legends he has fought over the years and swore to get revenge on Takeshita for his recent attacks over in AEW. Takeshita agreed to the match, calling it a “dramatic dream” to defeat him in a DDT ring. He promised to destroy everything about Jericho from “Lionheart” to “Y2J” to “The Painmaker”!
The GCW feud between Deathmatch Royalty and Maki Death Kill made its way over to Japan when Matt Cardona put the DDT Universal Title on the line against Maki Itoh. The champion was accompanied by Steph De Lander while Itoh went into the match alone. She had a plan to battle the number disadvantage though. Cardona made a big mistake by giving Itoh a Low Blow and being confused when it didn’t effect her. He then accidentally knocked out the referee Matsui with a missed Clothesline. Itoh’s plan came into play when she ducked De Lander’s attack with the title belt causing Cardona to get hit instead. Itoh took out a trolley at ringside, taped De Lander to it and pushed her away from ringside. She then took out a pizza cutter back in the ring and sliced Cardona’s forehead open with it! However De Lander freed herself from the trolley, returned to the ring with a chair and dropped Itoh onto it with a Modified Facebuster. Cardona pinned Itoh while De Lander revived Matsui so he could count to three.
Backstage Cardona complained about his match not being in the main event while De Lander said she wants DDT to put her in a match against Itoh the next time she shows up here. Itoh regretted not using more tape on De Lander. She knows this feud isn’t finished and there will be more matches against them when she goes back to America. She will chase after Cardona & De Lander to the depths of Hell in order to beat them one more time! Meanwhile MAO made the decision to challenge Cardona for the Universal Title at Sumo Hall. His thought process is if he can beat the indie wrestling god then he can become a puroresu god! Cardona accepted his challenge with a handshake but then attacked MAO with a belt strike from behind. When MAO recovered he warned Cardona that he just pulled out the Joker card.
The new DDT Vs All Japan rivalry continued with AJPW sending over Atsuki Aoyagi & Dan Tamura to take on The 37KAMIINA. The visitors entered the ring wearing sauna caps and then paired off against their opponents. Toy Kojima spent a lot of time fighting Aoyagi while Ueno went back and forth against Tamura. Ueno scored the win for the home team by pinned Tamura with the BME. He called the match fun and praised All Japan for being bright, intense and fun in a way that feels similar to The 37KAMIINA. Kojima then stole the All Japan team’s sauna cap and dared them to try and take it back. Aoyagi mentioned he will be wrestling MAO in AJPW on 5th October so his fight against The 37KAMIINA isn’t done yet.
Yuji Hino finished up his run with DDT by getting HARASHIMA & Yukio Sakaguchi to wrestle in Ω shirts. Makoto Oishi had his cane taken by Jun Akiyama while HARASHIMA went toe to toe with Tetsuya Endo. It wouldn’t have been Hino’s last match with DDT if he didn’t get into a chop battle with Kazusada Higuchi so one went down here. In the end though it was Yukio Naya who won the match for his team by pinning Oishi with The World’s Largest Back Drop. Hino thanked all the wrestlers after the match. He told the fans not to be said because today does not mean Hino will never wrestle in DDT again. He spoke about his children and how it is up to parents to protect their children. Backstage Hino said his wrestling future will be with Yasu Urano because apparently Urano is his mentor, not TAKA Michinoku. Oishi called him out for lying. Naya said the next time Hino will wrestle him will be when he is the KO-D Champion. Naya will even pick Hino as his first challenger.
A threat loomed over the 3 Way Tag Match when Danshoku Dieno announced that somebody among the other two teams was a traitor! Much to Akito and Naruki Doi’s horror it was gradually revealed that Kazuki Hirata and Antonio Honda were wearing O-backs, which means they are both with Pheromones! From there Yuki Iino, Dieno, Kazuki “Magnum” Hirata & Antonio “FOXY” Honda all joined forces to defeat Akito, giving Pheromones the victory. The effect on Hirata and Honda is only temporary but Dieno explained afterwards that even when Pheromones dies, it will never die!
Daisuke Sasaki unleashed a fourth version of the Vietnam Driver to win the opening match for DAMNATION T.A. While their match was against Hideki Okatani, Yuni & Takeshi Masada there were more people for them to fight when ROMANCE DAWN appeared. Shota & Soma Takao started a brawl at ringside when they stopped Minoru Fujita from interfering. KANON went over to help Fujita fight them while MJ Paul was there to stop anybody from breaking up Sasaki’s pin.
There was a Dark Match where Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku defeated Kazuma Sumi & Rukiya. The rookies team showed teamwork when Sumi Dropkicked Koroku into a Backslide Pin from Rukiya for a nearfall. Koroku took control by grabbing Rukiya’s arm and eventually grinded him into submission.
Before the main show began there was a contract signing for the KO-D Tag Team Titles match on 4th October. ROMANCE DAWN talked about how long they have known each other and their excitement of fighting for the championship together. Fujita didn’t find their story interesting while KANON started acting erraticly. He started crying at one point and then switched to shouting at people before excitedly posing for the group photo.
DDT “TETSUYA ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH! WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2023 TOUR IN SHIROISHI”, 16/09/2023 Miyagi Shiroishi White Cube 260 Fans – Super No Vacancy
1. Pheromones Final Countdown In Shiroishi: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno defeated Akito & Makoto Oishi when Iino submitted Oishi with the Cross Ass Sexy Lock Ass (9:57).
2. MAO & Yoshihiko defeated Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda when Yoshihiko submitted Honda with a Sleeper Hold (12:57).
3. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & KANON defeated Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi when Sasaki submitted Sumi with the Crossface Lock (12:17).
4. Special Tag Match: Jun Akiyama & Yuji Hino defeated HARASHIMA & Rukiya when Hino submitted Rukiya with the King Kong Sleeper (8:58).
5. Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada defeated Yuki Ueno & Toy Kojima when Brookes pinned Kojima with the Praying Manis Bomb (13:43).
6. Shiroishi Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ BURNING Vs Eruption!: Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani defeated Tetsuya Endo, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku when Sakaguchi pinned Koroku with the God’s Right Knee (19:00).
The return of Tetsuya Endo from injury didn’t end in victory but he believes his comeback could not have been under better circumstances. He got to wrestle in his hometown leading BURNING against the toughest trio going right now, the 6-Man Tag double crown champions Eruption. The person who scored the winning fall in the main event was Yukio Sakaguchi. He reminded everyone afterwards that he won in the main event of DDT’s previous show here in Shiroishi White Cube. He wants to keep beating Endo in Shiroishi so he can become the city’s hero instead!
Jun Akiyama showed up wearing Ω clothing so he could fit in with Yuji Hino and Makoto Oishi. He even danced with Oishi’s cane a little bit during his tag match.
At the start of the show the mayor of Shiroishi City asked Endo if he could continue his role as the city’s tourism ambassador for a second term. Endo agreed and says he has 1,000 ideas to liven up the area.
DDT “TETSUYA ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH! WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2023 TOUR IN SHIROISHI”, 16/09/2023 Miyagi Shiroishi White Cube
1. Pheromones Final Countdown In Shiroishi: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Akito & Makoto Oishi
2. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & KANON Vs Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi
3. Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda Vs MAO & Yoshihiko
4. Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada Vs Yuki Ueno & Toy Kojima
5. Special Tag Match: Yuji Hino & Jun Akiyama Vs HARASHIMA & Rukiya
6. Shiroishi Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ BURNING Vs Eruption!: Tetsuya Endo, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani
Tomorrow is Tetsuya Endo’s first match back from injury. He hasn’t wrestled since July when he lost the DDT Universal Title to Matt Cardona.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW CITY CIRCUIT ’23 ~RIKA TATSUMI LOCAL TRIUMPH~”, 16/09/2023 Nagano Kissei Bunka Hall Middle Hall
1. Ryo Mizunami Vs Toga
2. 3 Way Match: Pom Harajuku Vs Arisu Endo Vs Kaya Toribami
3. Suzume Vs Haru Kazashiro
4. Maki Itoh Vs Shino Suzuki
5. Hikari Noa Vs Wakana Uehara
6. Aja Kong & Yuki Aino Vs Shoko Nakajima & Moka Miyamoto
7. Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe Vs Miyu Yamashita & Hyper Misao
Tomorrow’s Tokyo Joshi Pro show has been rocked with a bug that’s gone through the roster this week. Mizuki, Yuki Kamifuku, Nao Kakuta, Mahiro Kiryu, Raku and HIMAWARI have all been pulled from the show due to illness. Also Yuki Arai has been pulled from this weekend’s SKE48 activities after falling ill too. Monday’s TJPW show is meant to have a mini SKE48 concert with her involved as well as her match so that might all be under risk too.
Most of the card has been reworked for all of the absences. Ryo Mizunami, who has become TJPW’s super substitute this year, has been called in to be Toga’s new opponent.
DDT “SHINKANSEN PRO WRESTLING”, 18/09/2023 Nozomi No. 371 From Tokyo Station
1. Falls Count Anywhere Match: Minoru Suzuki Vs Sanshiro Takagi
The bullet train match between Minoru Suzuki and Sanshiro Takagi will not be broadcasting live anywhere because the logistics couldn’t be figured out. It will instead be shown on PPV on 24th September.
DDT “DRAMATIC EXPLOSION 2023”, 18/09/2023 Nagoya International Conference Center Event Hall
1. Kazuma Sumi Vs Rukiya
2. Pheromones Final Countdown In Nagoya ~ 3 Way Tag Match: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Kazuki Hirata & Akito Vs Sanshiro Takagi & Takeshi Masada
3. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & KANON Vs Hideki Okatani, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku
4. Nagoya Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuji Hino, Makoto Oishi & Tetsuya Endo Vs Shigehiro Irie, Kazusada Higuchi & Shinya Ishida
5. All Asia Tag Team Titles – Current Blast Bat & Board Tag Death Match: Atsushi Onita & Yoshi Tatsu (c) Vs Jun Akiyama & Kotaro Suzuki
6. HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya Vs Yuki Ueno & Toy Kojima
7. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Chris Brookes, MAO & Antonio Honda Vs Minoru Suzuki, Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai
Chris Brookes and Saki Akai will have a contract signing during the show for their KO-D Openweight Title match.
With more All Japan matches on the horizon for DDT, some of the wrestlers are deep in preparation. The semi-main event is a chance for Yukio Naya, Yuki Ueno and Toy Kojima to all keep sharp by being in the ring with HARASHIMA.
Over the weekend Eruption went to an All Japan show at Nagoya to take part in a double championship match. They put the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles on the line against ATM, Takao Omori & Black Menso-re, the defending AJPW TV 6-Man Tag Team Titles. Eruption won the match to successfully defend their own belts while also becoming the new AJPW 6-Man Tag Champions! Yukio Sakaguchi said the goal was to just defend their own championship. Winning the AJPW titles is just a bonus to him. The result made Saki Akai the first woman in history to win an AJPW championship!
ATM & Black Menso-re challenged Eruption to rematch for both sets of titles on 3rd September. They also said DASH Chisako is going to be the third member of their team. Akai & Hideki Okatani approved of the idea because they both want to wrestle Chisako again. Eruption accepted the challenge and also plan to have their next defence after that take place back in DDT on 9th September.
DDT “ROJO PRO WRESTLING IN IZUKOGEN GRANILLUMI”, 02/09/2023 Shizuoka Izu Granpal Park
1. Falls Count Anywhere 4 Way 6-Man Tag Match: Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA & Saki Akai Vs Yuki Ueno, Toy Kojima & Kazuki Hirata (w/ Shunma Katsumata) Vs Sanshiro Takagi, Shinya Aoki & Takeshi Masada Vs Yuki “Sexy” Iino, Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno & Yuki “Pretty” Kamifuku
A few changes to the Falls Count Anywhere match due to MAO’s absence. Kazuki Hirata is now teaming with the rest of The 37KAMIINA.
1. Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Akito & Yukio Naya
2. Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Yuni, Kazuma Sumi & Rukiya
3. Makoto Oishi & Takeshi Masada Vs Daisuke Sasaki & MJ Paul
4. Special Tag Match: Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda Vs Naruki Doi & HARASHIMA
5. Special Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Shigehiro Irie & Soma Takao
6. Yuki Ueno Birthday Commemorative Match ~ Special Single Match: Yuki Ueno Vs Toy Kojima
7. Special Single Match: Yuji Hino Vs KANON
This will be the last warm up match for Brookes and Shigehiro Irie before “DDT BIG BANG 2023”.
Naruki Doi is still the Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion as far as I know so his upcoming singles match with Hirata is still on track to be a double title bout. That may change when they cross paths here.
Eruption will be missing the show because they are now booked for an All Japan event in Nagaoka on the same day. Eruption will be defending the AJPW TV 6-Man Tag Titles along with the KO-D 6-Man Tag Titles on that show.
DDT “DDT BIG BANG 2023”, 09/09/2023 Tokyo Ota Ward Gymnasium
1. HARASHIMA, Kazusada Higuchi & Soma Takao Vs Yukio Naya, Yuya Koroku & Takeshi Masada
2. Masahiro Takanashi, Antonio Honda & Ilusion Vs Yuni, Kazuma Sumi & Rukiya
3. Pheromones Vs Subjugation Final Match! Special Single Match ~ Dissolution Contra Vice President: Yuki “Sexy” Iino (w/ Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno) Vs Akito
4. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani Vs Yuko Miyamoto, Isami Kodaka & Ram Kaichow
5. Special Tag Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA & Daisuke Sasaki Vs Yuki Ueno & MAO
6. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Yuji Hino & Makoto Oishi Vs Minoru Fujita & KANON
7. DDT Extreme Title & Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Kazuki Hirata (E/c) Vs Naruki Doi (I/c)
8. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) Vs Shigehiro Irie
9. First Time In History! Time Difference Scramble Bunkhouse Current Blast 6-Man Tag Death Match: Atsushi Onita, Yoshi Tatsu & Toy Kojima Vs Sanshiro Takagi, Jun Akiyama & Yusuke Okada
The rules have been decided for the main event. It will be a Scramble Bunkhouse Explosion Death Match with wrestlers joining in one after the other. The match will begin with Atsushi Onita against Jun Akiyama with all of the explosive weaponry available for them to use on each other. Akiyama suggested the two of them start and Onita agreed when the weapons were allowed. Then after three minutes the other four wrestlers will enter the match to gradually turn it into a 6-Man Tag Team brawl.
DDT are expecting MAO to be recovered in time to take part in this show.
Some of the lower matches have been changed around to deal with the additional injuries that have taken place over the last week.
DDT “TETSUYA ENDO LOCAL TRIUMPH! WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2023 TOUR IN SHIROISHI”, 16/09/2023 Miyagi Shiroishi White Cube
1. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & KANON Vs Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Naya & Kazuma Sumi
2. Kazuki Hirata & Antonio Honda Vs MAO & Yoshihiko
3. Special Tag Match: Yuji Hino & Jun Akiyama Vs HARASHIMA & Rukiya
4. Shiroishi Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ BURNING Vs Eruption!: Tetsuya Endo, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okantai
The return of Tetsuya Endo from injury takes place right in his hometown of Shiroishi!
DDT “DRAMATIC EXPLOSION 2023”, 18/09/2023 Nagoya International Conference Center Event Hall
1. Kazuma Sumi Vs Rukiya
2. HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya Vs Yuki Ueno & Toy Kojima
3. Nagoya Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuji Hino, Makoto Oishi & Tetsuya Endo Vs Shigehiro Irie, Kazusada Higuchi & Shinya Ishida
4. Current Blast Death Match: Atsushi Onita & Yoshi Tatsu Vs Jun Akiyama & Kotaro Suzuki
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Chris Brookes, MAO & Antonio Honda Vs Minoru Suzuki, Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai
Next up on Saki Akai’s retirement bucket list is her getting to team up with Minoru Suzuki!
Nagoya is an area that means a lot to Irie. It is also the hometown of Shinya Ishida. So DDT are putting the two of them with Kazusada Higuchi in one of the main matches for DDT’s next visit there.
DDT “ULTIMATE PARTY 2023”, 12/11/2023 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
1. Saki Akai Retirement Match: Saki Akai Vs X
Hiromu Takahashi will be on the show. He wants to choose his opponent so does he have somebody already in mind? Really interesting to see how open New Japan has become towards sending their wrestlers to other companies in Japan lately. It’s one thing to work with all of the different international promotions around the world to spread their brand. Doing it within the Japanese scene as well is something they haven’t been doing for years until just recently.
TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TOKYO PRINCESS CUP”, 29/07/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1. Juria Nagano & Kaya Toribami Vs Wakana Uehara & HIMAWARI
2. Hyper Misao, Nao Kakuta & Yuki Aino Vs Mahiro Kiryu, Pom Harajuku & Haruna Neko
3. Mizuki, Toga, Haru Kazashiro & Runa Okubo Vs Hikari Noa, Raku, Suzume & Shino Suzuki
4. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Arisu Endo Vs Yuki Arai
5. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Yuki Kamifuku Vs Miu Watanabe
6. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Rika Tatsumi Vs Shoko Nakajima
7. Tokyo Princess Cup – Quarter Final: Miyu Yamashita Vs Moka Miyamoto
The Tokyo Princess Cup moves over to Korakuen Hall for its remaining rounds. Next up is the Quarter Finals this Saturday.
DDT “SUMMER VACATION 2023”, 30/07/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
0. Dark Match: Yuni Vs Kazuma Sumi
1. Minoru Fujita & MJ Paul Vs Soma Takao & Rukiya
2. Yuji Hino, Makoto Oishi & Yukio Naya Vs Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku
3. Chris Brookes, Antonio Honda & Takeshi Masada Vs Kazusada Higuchi, Kotaro Suzuki & Yuki Ishida
4. Special Tag Match: Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno Vs Akito & Naruki Doi
5. Yukio Sakaguchi 50th Birthday Match ~ Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani Vs Shuji Ishikawa, Thanomsak Toba & Masahiro Takanashi
6. DDT Extreme Title – Super Fierce Battle! Hirata’s Miraculous Allies Gather! No Touch Captain’s Fall & 2 Count Hall Handicap Death Match: Kazuki Hirata (C/c), Broom, Kokeshi, Chair, Yakitori & X (w/ Other Merry Ultimate Fighters) Vs HARASHIMA (C)
7. Special 6-Man Tag Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA, Daisuke Sasaki & KANON Vs Yuki Ueno, MAO & Toy Kojima
The final image everyone saw at the end of “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2023” was Konosuke Takeshita and Daisuke Sasaki shaking hands in a hallway backstage. Now we see Takeshita is teaming up with DAMNATION T.A to take on The 37KAMIINA! Takeshita denies having any intention of joining DAMNATION T.A. Instead he claims The 37KAMIINA no longer needs him so he now wants to stand across the ring from them. That Takeshita is choosing to team with Sasaki & KANON in order to do this is an unusual turn of events. It’s another chance for Yuki Ueno to chase after his friend. Toy Kojima also hasn’t been happy with Takeshita’s change in behaviour. MAO is a wild card coming out of Sumo Hall with a big win behind him.
Today Kazuki Hirata announced the match stipulation for his DDT Exteme Title defence against HARASHIMA. His big idea to even the odds is to use every idea he has. So it’s a Captain’s Fall Handicap Match with no tags needed, you only need a 2 count pinfall to win and HARASHIMA is on his own while Hirata’s team is filled up with a bunch of inanimate objects.
Two injuries came out this weekend. Tetsuya Endo suffered a left hand injury and later found out his fractured a metacarpal bone. Toru Owashi had a neck injury that was then diagnosed as a cervical spine injury. Both are now out of action with no timetable yet for either to return.
BASARA “BASARA 226 ~HAKUSEKIREI NO YORU~”, 06/08/2023 Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall
1. Takumi Tsukamoto Vs Lil’ Kraken
2. SAGAT & Akiyori Takizawa Vs Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino
3. Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi Vs Shinichiro Tominaga
4. KUBITO Return Match: KUBITO & Daichi Kazato Vs Yasu Urano & Fuminori Abe
5. Isami Kodaka & Daiki Shimomura Vs Tsutomu Oosugi & Banana Senga
6. Union MAX Next Challenger Match: FUMA Vs Ryota Nakatsu
Both FUMA and Ryota Nakatsu wanted to be the next challenger for the Union MAX Title so we’re getting a No. 1 Contender’s match between them.
KUBITO returns for his first match since April. He’s been out of action ever since dealing with health problems involving his pancreas.
Shinichiro Tominaga comes over to pay BASARA a visit. Although he is a regular with Ganbare☆Pro his actual home promotion is with a small indy in Tokyo called Come On Wrestling Party.
1. Special Single Match: Mecha Mummy (w/ Mad Dr. Ueki) Vs Takeshi Masada
2. Special Single Match: Antonio Honda Vs Ram Kaichow
3. Special Single Match: Hagane Shinno Vs Maya Yukihi
4. Special Single Match: Chris Brookes Vs Yoshihiko
The next Baka Gaijin + Friends show is also a big birthday party for Chris Brookes! Among the invited guests are Yoshihiko, Hagane Shinno, Maya Yukihi, Antonio Honda, Ram Kaichow, Mecha Mummy and Takeshi Masada.
Looks like Takayuki Ueki is fully adopting a mad doctor gimmick for these shows.
BASARA “BASARA 227 ~UTAGE~”, 29/08/2023 Shin-Kiba 1st RING
1. IRON FIST Tag Team Titles: Daiki Shimomura & Minoru Fujita (c) Vs Tsutomu Oosugi & Banana Senga
2. Union MAX Title: Takumi Tsukamoto (c) Vs Winner Of 06/08 Match
The winner of FUMA Vs Nakatsu will face Takumi Tsukamoto for the MAX Title. Tsukamoto wanted to wait until the 29th August show for his next title defence because that show is when BASARA will be going back to serving all you can drink beers at Shin-Kiba 1st RING.
Sento Minzoku are now the undisputed IRON FIST Tag Team Champions but they have former two time champions Speed Of Sounds as their next challengers.
DDT “DDT BIG BANG 2023”, 09/09/2023 Tokyo Ota Ward Gymnasium
1. Pheromones Vs Subjugation Final Match! Special Single Match ~ Dissolution Contra Vice President: Yuki “Sexy” Iino (w/ Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno) Vs Akito
2. Current Blast Death Match: Atsushi Onita Vs X
3. KO-D Openweight Title: Chris Brookes (c) Vs Shigehiro Irie
Sunday was a dream come true for Brookes after he won the KO-D Openweight Title. He now has a big challenge in the form of Shigehiro Irie to prepare for this September. Irie coming out to challenge him was a surprise because Brookes expected somebody like Ueno to do that first. The two know each other from wrestling in Europe and they currently have a 1-1 singles record together. Irie has world domination on his mind so he intends to win the KO-D Title and bring it with him on his upcoming overseas tours (because that worked out sooooo well last time).
Akito has called out Pheromones and wants to put an end to their feud once and for all. For real this time. No seriously. He means it. He will face Yuki Iino in a match that will not be prematurely stopped or called off for any reason. If Akito wins then Pheromones must disband. However Danshoku Dieno complained that the match was put together without Akito putting anything at risk. After having a public meeting with Dieno today, Akito agreed to put his Vice President position on the line!
“MASAHIRO TAKANASHI 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW”, 19/09/2023 Shinjuku FACE
1. Special Single Match: Mei Suruga Vs Minoru Suzuki
2. Chris Brookes Vs Masahiro Takanashi
For the first time ever Mei Suruga takes on Minoru Suzuki in what will surely become a bloodbath! What caused Masahiro Takanashi to come up with such a sadistic idea for a match?
DDT “WHO’S GONNA TOP? 2023”, 24/09/2023 Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1. DDT Universal Title: Matt Cardona (w/ Steph De Lander) (c) Vs Maki Itoh
The next DDT Universal Title match brings one of the big feuds in GCW over to Japan. Matt Cardona is still soaking in the glory of his title win and now calls the belt the DMK (Death Match King) Universal Championship. Meanwhile Steph De Lander is wondering if she would go on a date with the injured Tetsuya Endo as long as he pays for every single thing she wants. Maki Itoh was so annoyed to see Cardona win the title she immediately sent a video to DDT demanding a title shot. She is certain she is the right person to bring the belt back to DDT and restore its prestige.
DDT “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2023”, 23/07/2023 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan 3,465 Fans – No Vacancy
1. Takeshi Masada defeated Kazuma Sumi with the Masada Power KOBU Mukimuki (6:48).
2. Sanshiro Takagi, Shinichiro Kawamatsu & Yuni defeated Masahiro Takanashi, Toy Kojima & Rukiya when Kawamatsu pinned Rukiya with the Shitamachi Rocket (8:30).
3. 3 Way 6-Man Tag Match: Minoru Fujita, MJ Paul & KANON defeated Naruki Doi, Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata and Kotaro Suzuki, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku when KANON pinned Koroku with the Vietnam Driver II (11:45).
4. Yuki “Sexy” Iino, Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno & Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari (w/ Kachikire Hisaya) defeated Akito, Soma Takao & Yoshitomo Shimohigashi (w/ Buchigire Ujihara) when Iino pinned Akito after the Sexy Cannon (9:42).
5. Special Tag Match: Chiitan☆ & Pokotan defeated Andreza Giant Panda & Super Sasadango Machine when Chiitan☆ pinned Sasadango after the ChiiPoko☆Trigger (11:50).
6. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai & Hideki Okatani defeated Kazusada Higuchi, Ryota Nakatsu & Yuki Ishida (c) when Okatani pinned Ishida with the Double Arm Suplex (9:27). *Harimao fails in V1. Eruption becomes the 52nd KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions!
7. Special Single Match: MAO defeated TAKA Michinoku with the Phoenix Splash (13:11).
8. Special Tag Match ~ Yukio Naya Return Match: Jun Akiyama & Shigehiro Irie defeated HARASHIMA & Yukio Naya when Irie pinned Naya with the Beast Bomber (13:25).
9. Special Single Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA defeated Yuki Ueno with the Brainbuster onto the corner turnbuckle (12:53).
10. DDT Universal Title: Matt Cardona (w/ Steph De Lander) defeated Tetsuya Endo (c) with the Radio Silence (15:43). *Tetsuya Endo fails in V2. Matt Cardona becomes the 11th DDT Universal Champion!
11. Mexico Kanko Presents Dramatic Dream Match: El Desperado defeated Daisuke Sasaki with the Numero Dos (20:32).
12. KO-D Openweight Title – Good Com Asset Presents: Chris Brookes defeated Yuji Hino (c) with the Praying Mantis Bomb (21:04). *Yuji Hino fails in V3. Chris Brookes becomes the 81st KO-D Openweight Champion!
In 2019 Chris Brookes came over from the British indepedents to DDT, taking to Japan’s wrestling scene like a duck to water. As his stay laster longer and longer he ticked off the most hardcore of bucket lists you can come up with in wrestling. He wasn’t just here to step inside Korakuen Hall, grab a Ribera jacket and have an excuse to start writing his name in Japanese for merchandise reasons. He ingrained himself into different pockets of all sizes in the wrestling industry. All the desire and hard work paid off with different accomplishments being added to his name over the years. The biggest one happened today when Brookes headlined “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2023” in Sumo Hall and became the new KO-D Openweight Champion! His challenge against the champion Yuji Hino was a big one but Brookes had a secret weapon ready for the ocassion.
The pre-match hype video revealed Brookes had spent time training with KUDO in order to add the High Kick to his moveset. KUDO won his first KO-D Title in Sumo Hall in 2011 and that inspired Brookes to get in touch and learn from him. Not only did he take the High Kick from training, he also used KUDO’s Diving Double Knee Drop on Hino. However Hino took that move as well as the Praying Mantis Bomb and shook off the attack. He fought back with a Lariat and Exploder Suplex. Then Hino made a mistake of putting his hands behind his back and daring Brookes to strike him. Brookes hit a few Flying Knee Strikes that Hino brushed off but it was the High Kick that rocked the champion. Then Brookes pulled out another secret weapon, hitting HARASHIMA’s finisher the Somato! Brookes then dropped Hino with a second Praying Mantis Bomb to become the new champion.
After the match Brookes was given the KO-D Title by special guest Kenta Kobashi. Brookes said Hino was really strong and he thanked him for the match today. He then wasted no time and asked if there was somebody out there to be his first challenger. Shigehiro Irie walked down to the ring. He congratulated Brookes and the two of them talked about the times they wrestled together in Europe. Irie also pointed out that he too has gone to foreign countries and won championships there. They haven’t had a match against each other in Japan yet so Irie wants to challenge Brookes for the belt. It was accepted and will take place at Ota Ward Gymnasium on 9th September. Irie warned that he’s come to take the KO-D Title and he’s the one who will bring it over to Europe. After he left, Brookes called out the DDT roster and paid his thanks to every one of them for their support. He reminded everyone that DDT stands for Dramatic Dream Team and everyone here is part of a team. He also went into the crowd to celebrate with the fans.
According to El Desperado, he is one of Daisuke Sasaki’s few friends and he offered him a bouquet of roses before their match as proof. Sasaki repaid Desperado by attacking him with the bouquet while they brawled outside. Sasaki also laid out Desperado on the front row of chairs and hit a Diving Elbow Drop from the top rope into him. Back in the ring Sasaki pulled off a Destroyer counter for Desperado’s Tombstone Piledriver. But La Mistica Crossface Lock was countered and Desperado stuck up his middle finger to Sasaki before trapping him in the Numero Dos to make him submit.
Desperado called the match fun but he now has a year’s worth of tequila that he won’t be able to drink all by himself. Sasaki confessed he is now feeling emotional about the match they just had and might start crying. Maybe they can have a rematch someday but this time in New Japan? Desperado joked that he has a spare key for the NJPW office so he might be able to sneak Sasaki in for something down the line. Backstage he told reporters he is going to split the tequila prize in half with Sasaki. Also if the sponsor allows it he wants to autograph the empty bottles with Sasaki and sell them with all of the proceeds going towards Yoshihiro Takayama and Shinjiro Otani.
The second of three title changes took place in Match #10 when Tetsuya Endo lost the DDT Universal Title to Matt Cardona thanks to the interference of Steph De Lander. Cardona & De Lander entered the ring carrying all of their championships, including Cardona wearing a replica of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title that currently belongs to his wife Chelsea Green. De Lander’s constant interference backfired at one point when Cardona’s belt shot aimed for Endo hit her instead. Endo took control and had Cardona all set up for the Burning Star Press when De Lander recovered and distracted him again. This time she started flirting with Endo and gave him a bunch of kisses! Meanwhile Cardona turned the ref’s back to them so De Lander could kick Endo below the belt. Cardona then pinned Endo with the Radio Silence to add a new championship to his collection.
Cardona & De Lander’s celebration was quickly interrupted by the video screen. A live message from Maki Itoh started playing where she challenged Cardona for the Universal Title! She promised to take the championship and leave her GCW enemy covered in blood! The title match was later approved for the 24th September Korakuen Hall show. Backstage Cardona bragged about his title win and said he came here to conquer the world. It’s his first time in DDT and he already made the company and Endo his bitch. He’s not going back to WWE or AEW but when he leaves DDT he will be bringing the Universal Title with him!
Can the version of Konosuke Takeshita that showed up in Sumo Hall today be called new and improved? He was different than the Takeshita of old from before his AEW run that’s for sure. Yuki Ueno found that out up front during the latest match in their rivalry. Takeshita removed his own elbow pad to deliver raw Elbow Strikes and later dropped Ueno with an Implant Driver on the entrance ramp. Ueno fought back but his BME attempt was blocked with him getting kicked in midair. Takeshita then hit the Zahi into the corner and deadlifted Ueno up into a top rope Brainbuster onto the turnbuckle! Ueno had no answer for that and took the fall, losing again to his friend. Or is that now former friend?
Tension could be felt after the match when Ueno refused to shake Takeshita’s hand after the match. Then Toy Kojima decided to step in between them and push Takeshita away! Backstage Takeshita’s message towards Ueno was a blunt one. If Ueno ever wants to win the KO-D Title he should keep quiet and follow Takeshita! Elsewhere, Ueno said he needs to get stronger and increasing DDT’s audience is a way to do that. But after losing again today he doesn’t know what he should do next.
Yukio Naya went straight into the thick of things with his return match from injury. He started off the match with Shigehiro Irie and was just as eager to face off with Jun Akiyama. HARASHIMA was happy to fight Irie for the first time in a while although his opinion might have changed after Irie gave him a Piledriver on top of Naya. The Beat Bomber was blocked with a Knee Strike by Naya but Akiyama came in and threw Naya with the Exploder Suplex. Irie got a nearfall with a Running Cannonball into the corner and then got the three count after he hit the Beast Bomber. Both Akiyama & Irie spoke of their surprise by how powerful Naya was in his first match back. But Irie is on a mission to take everything in the world that he can, as shown by his appearance at the end of the show.
Start paying attention because MAO is back on track with a massive victory over TAKA Michinoku! MAO used his own versions of his influence’s moveset, using the Alien Plancha with an added midair twist and then two versions of the Michinoku Driver including one from the top rope. He then finished TAKA off with a Phoenix Splash. MAO said he was really happy to have this match because he’s been losing confidence in himself as a singles wrestler lately. He always admires TAKA so to beat him inside Sumo Hall using his own techniques means so much to him. However TAKA said in beating him in this day and age is not worth even a medal. MAO should be beating him and he should also be aiming for the top!
Just because Saki Akai is retiring later this year doesn’t mean she’s done winning championships. She achieved her goal of winning the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles with Eruption one more time! Eruption defeated Harimao, the team led by their former “brother” Kazusada Higuchi to claim the belts. Akai herself went head to head with Higuchi and took his best shot. She held her ground and performed the Quetzalcoatl with some help from Yukio Sakaguchi hitting Higuchi with the God’s Right Knee. Akai then dived onto Higuchi & Ryota Nakatsu outside the ring, leaving Hideki Okatani to face off with Yuki Ishida. Okatani kicked out of the Dosukoi Hold and pinned Ishida with the Double Arm Suplex to cause the title change. Both teams shook hands after the match to show there is no bad blood between them.
Afterwards Akai said her retirement match will be at Sumo Hall later this year so she’s going at full speed for her remaining months as a pro wrestler. She wanted to win the titles with Sakaguchi & Okatani in this building and is glad to have done so. She is especially happy for Okatani because this is his first championship win. Okatani then revealed Eruption’s next big plan. If they have the power to challenge anybody then they want to go to All Japan and win the AJPW TV 6-Man Tag Team Titles! They are even willing to put the KO-D 6-Man Tag Titles on the line in a double championship match to get what they want. Akai is already booked for AJPW’s show in Nagoya on 27th August and she heard that their trios champions put out an open challenge regardless of company or gender. So she’s bringing the rest of Eruption with her!
There was a reason why Andreza Giant Panda & Super Sasadango Machine were given the tag team name Food Chain. Sasadango wrestled the match wrapped together in giant bamboo leaves, just like a real sasadango. The reason why was shown when Andreza started to deflate with hunger. Sasadango made himself bait to be sacrificed to the panda! The venue went dark and in the darkness Andreza swallowed Sasadango whole, leaving only his mask behind for a horrified Yukinori Matsui to discover. Now fully fed and powered up, Andreza went on a rampage of Headbutts against the ChiiPoko☆Ultra Cute Alliance. However Chiitan pulled out a samurai sword and stabbed Andreza in the stomach with it. The venue went dark again sparing the audience from seeing a giant panda throw up. The lights came back on and Sasadango was back in the ring in one piece, covered in bits of vomit. Pokotan took advantage by giving Sasadango the Swanton Bomb. Then the two mascots joined forces and did the ChiiPoko☆Trigger together on Sasadango to score the win. Backstage Sasadango explained what it was like being eaten by Andreza. He said Andreza’s stomach was bigger than he thought and would make for a comfortable living space in Tokyo.
The comedian Buchigire Ujihara was given the full Pheromones experience, something that the former Hisaya Imabayashi was happy to see because it wasn’t him getting humiliated for once. However he overstepped his bounds when he tried to interfere and attack Akito with a chair. Akito dodged it and the chair hit both Yuki Iino & Danshoku Dieno instead. Yumehito Imanari then caused a mess using a fire extinguisher on Akito, Soma Takao & Yoshitomo Shimohigashi. Dieno then launched Iino across the ring with a hip thrust, causing Iino to pin Akito with the Spear.
A victorious Hisaya celebrated Pheromones winning the match but didn’t expect them to turn on him. Imanari suddenly grabbed him and gave him a DDT inbetween Iino & Dieno’s backsides, leaving him vertically jammed upside down in the gap! Ujihara gave them a nod of approval, coming around to understand what Pheromones is like. Backstage Akito approached Pheromones asking for one more match. If Akito wins then Pheromones will disband but if Pheromones win then Akito will stop trying to destroy them. Dieno demanded that Akito crawl between Iino’s legs and then press his own face into Iino’s backside to prove he is being sincere. Akito did so and said he wanted the match to happen on 9th September at Ota Ward Gym.
DAMNATION T.A won the 3 Way Trios match against BURNING and the Dragon Gene team. KANON pulled out the Vietnam Driver II, a move previously used by Daisuke Sasaki to beat Yuya Koroku for the finish. KANON was of mixed emotions backstage afterwards. He was so happy that Minoru Fujita made it to the show on time and also that MJ Paul did his best. But then he got mad that the three of them were thrown into a nothing 3 Way Tag Match! Fujita had to calm him down. The BURNING team took the loss in good grace. Kotaro Suzuki was happy to wrestle in DDT again while Yusuke Okada was thankful to wrestle inside Sumo Hall again. Koroku said he will take the loss as another learning experience. Neither Naruki Doi, Toru Owashi or Kazuki Hirata gave any comments after the match.
Being born and raised in Ryogoku was enough motivation for Shinichiro Kawamatsu to go out there and win. With Sanshiro Takagi & Yuni on his team the three of them were able to beat Masahiro Takanashi, Toy Kojima & Rukiya. Takagi stacked Takanashi and Kojima on top of him to deliver a Double Samoan Drop. Yuni followed up with a Moonsault out of the ring. Kawamatsu then targeted Rukiya’s mid-section with the Shitamachi Rocket Spear to get the three count. Yuni called it a memorable experience because it is the first time he won a match inside Sumo Hall. His effort didn’t go unnoticed by Kojima because Kojima blames Yuni for his team losing! Takagi told Kawamatsu DDT will be back here in November so he’ll find a great opponent for him if he wants to wrestle then.
The opening match of the show saw Takeshi Masada use the Samurai Driver ’01 to beat Kazuma Sumi. However here the move was called the Masada Power KOBU Mukimuki. It’s been almost a year since Masada debuted and he feels like he has regressed since the end of the D GENERATIONS CUP. Today’s win against his classmate Sumi is a good step forward towards DDT’s next major shows in Ota Ward and Sumo Hall happening later this year. Sumi is frustrated to lose but he promises to do his best until he can win, no matter how many more times he loses.
When the show finally ended and all the wrestlers left ringside, the credits began to roll. And then it stopped for a sudden post-credits sequence. A fallen Sasaki was seen sitting on a hallway floor when he is approached by Takeshita. The scene ends with Takeshita offering his hand and Sasaki shaking it! To add more to the confusing scene, it was reported that Takeshita’s post-show meet and greet took place at the DAMNATION T.A merch table. What made things even more confusing is Takeshita afterwards said he has no intention of joining DAMNATION T.A. Instead he is doing this to position himself against The 37KAMIINA because he thinks the unit no longer needs him.
Posted by JamieOD 
