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NJPW New Japan Soul: A Night of Steel, Champions Crowned, and G1 Climax Heats Up! (Results Recap)
New Japan Soul rolled into the Hokkaido Sports Center in Sapporo, Japan on June 16th, 2024, and delivered a night of electrifying action that left fans buzzing. The main event saw a thrilling Steel Cage grudge match for the coveted IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, while undercard bouts showcased rising stars and established veterans battling it out. This captivating event also unveiled the highly anticipated participants for the upcoming G1 Climax tournament, adding another layer of intrigue to the already sizzling NJPW summer.
Steel Cage Fury: El Desperado Claims the Junior Heavyweight Throne
The animosity between El Desperado and SHO reached a boiling point within the unforgiving confines of a Steel Cage. Both competitors displayed a relentless fighting spirit, utilizing the cage structure to their advantage. Desperado, known for his cunning in-ring tactics, incorporated the cage walls for brutal strikes and high-risk maneuvers. SHO countered with his signature high-flying offense, attempting daring dives from the cage turnbuckles.
The brutality escalated as House of Torture, Desperado’s villainous stablemates, attempted to interfere. However, a well-timed intervention by DOUKI, a fierce rival of Desperado, ensured a fair fight. The turning point came when Desperado countered SHO’s top rope moonsault with a vicious Numero Uno neckbreaker. Capitalizing on a dazed SHO, Desperado locked in his signature Pinche Loco submission, securing the victory and becoming the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
A New Era for the Junior Heavyweight Division?
Desperado’s victory marks a significant moment for the Junior Heavyweight division. His reign as champion promises to be a captivating one, filled with his signature technical brilliance and ruthless aggression. The post-match challenge issued by DOUKI hints at a potential future title bout, a clash between two of the division’s most talented and unpredictable competitors.
G1 Climax Participants Revealed: A Summer of Blockbuster Battles Awaits
One of the biggest announcements of the night was the unveiling of the G1 Climax participants. This prestigious tournament, considered one of the toughest and most prestigious in professional wrestling, pits the top stars of New Japan against each other in a grueling round-robin format. The announced competitors included a captivating mix of veterans and rising stars:
- A Block: Tetsuya Naito, Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, SANADA, The Great-O-Khan, Zack Sabre Jr., Gabe Kidd, EVIL, and Jake Lee (NOAH)
- B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, Jay White, Tama Tonga, Taichi, Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, and a surprise entrant to be revealed later.
Undercard Bouts Deliver Action and Intrigue
The undercard of New Japan Soul provided a thrilling appetizer for the main event. Highlights included:
- An explosive eight-man tag team match featuring established veterans like Jeff Cobb and The Great-O-Khan battling against the young lions of the future.
- A hard-fought tag team battle between DOUKI and Taichi against the experienced duo of Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi
- A chaotic yet entertaining three-way tag team bout for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship
- A thrilling match between legends TAKA Michinoku and Yuya Uemura showcasing their timeless in-ring chemistry
What Does New Japan Soul Mean for the Future of NJPW?
New Japan Soul served as a critical turning point for NJPW. The crowning of a new Junior Heavyweight Champion, the announcement of the G1 Climax participants, and the electrifying undercard bouts all point towards a summer filled with intense competition and captivating storylines. Here are some key takeaways from the event:
- The Junior Heavyweight division is in for a wild ride: Desperado’s reign as champion promises to be unpredictable and action-packed. The potential clash with DOUKI adds another layer of intrigue to the division.
- The G1 Climax is shaping up to be epic: With a diverse mix of veterans and rising stars, the upcoming tournament promises to deliver unforgettable matches and potentially crown a new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
- NJPW continues to nurture young talent: The undercard bouts showcased the impressive skills of the young lions, ensuring a bright future for the promotion.
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