NJPW Power Struggle - November 4, 2024 (and Super Junior Tag League 2024)

[Leon TrotSky]

Five major matchups official for Power Struggle!

First matchups set for November 4

news.njpw1972.com

IWGP World Heavyweight Title - Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Shingo Takagi
IWGP Global Heavyweight Title - David Finlay (c) vs. Taichi
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title - DOUKI (c) vs. Master Wato
IWGP Tag Team Title - TMDK (Shane Haste/Mikey Nicholls) (c) vs. United Empire (Great-O-Khan/HENARE)
SANADA vs. Shota Umino
Hiroshi Tanahashi/El Phantasmo vs. EVIL/Ren Narita
Super Junior Tag League Finals

 

[Leon TrotSky]

Super Junior Tag League 2024 blocks are out!

BLOCK A
Bullet Club War Dogs - Clark Connors/Drilla Moloney
House of Torture - SHO/Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Ichiban Sweet Boys - Robbie Eagles/Kosei Fujita
Los Ingobernables de Japon - Hiromu Takahashi/BUSHI
Ryusuke Taguchi/Dragon Dia
Tiger Mask/Capitan Suicida

BLOCK B
Intergalactic Jet Setters - KUSHIDA/Kevin Knight (c)
Catch 2/2 - TJP/Francesco Akira
CHAOS - Rocky Romero/YOH
The DKC/Ninja Mack
Taiji Ishimori/Robbie X
The VeloCities - Paris De Silva/Jude London

 

[Chris]

Velocities oh shit it's about time

 

[Leon TrotSky]

Super Jr. Tag League Day 1 Preview (October 24th)

Tag League kicks off at the Gunma Convention Center

news.njpw1972.com

Day 1. "Oh yeah, House of Torture is still counted as Bullet Club"

 

[Chris]

Wait the tag league is gonna be like a week lmao

 

[Chris]

Shingo vs Zack, SANADA vs Umino set for Power Struggle!​

One bout slated for IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

In the moments following Zack Sabre Jr.’s monumental IWGP World Heavyweight Championship win Monday at King of Pro-Wrestling, it didn’t take long for his first challengers to emerge. First SANADA would appear, and as promised Sabre granted a request to put the world title on the line in the main event of Royal Quest Sunday in London.

After that though, Shota Umino wanted to throw his hat in the ring, despite an icy reception from Sumo Hall. That brought out Shingo Takagi who also wanted a shot. Umino rebuffed the Dragon saying that he had beaten both Takagi and ZSJ during the G1 Climax; SANADA can lay claim to G1 wins over both the Roughneck and the Dragon himself.

It all eld to SANADA and Sabre drawing names out of an envelope to determine who they would face at Power Struggle November 4. Sabre drew the NEVER Openweight Champion Takagi, while SANADA picked SHota Umino. Those two matches are now official, and depending ont he result of the Royal Quest main event, one of the two will be for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, live in English on NJPW World!​

 

[Apoho Creed]

The typical Teams for the Super Junior Tag League I look forward to seeing Velocities for the first time around. Shingo vs Sabre JR will be great like their last encounters but I'm not gonna lie and say I wanna see Sanada vs Umino more. Shota needs a big win over someone and a former World Champion would be a great start for him to get going again.

Oh hey New Japan remembers my homie Taichi exists and gave him a Title shot vs Finlay. You know they are going to break my heart again and have him lose to that bum Finlay.

 

[Chris]

ZSJ vs Shingo Takagi official for World Title at Power Struggle​

Title scenario clarified after Sabre win

After Zack Sabre Jr. defeated SANADA in the main event of Royal Quest IV October 20, the top of the card is now clarified for Power Struggle in Osaka November 4.

Last week saw the announcement of both Zack Sabre Jr vs Shingo Takagi, and SANADA vs Shota Umino, with one of the two bouts due to be a title match. Now ZSJ vs Takagi is officially for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, while SANADA vs Shota Umino is a special singles match. What happens November 4 when the IWGP World Heavyweight and NEVER Openweight Champions collide? What path is in place for Shota Umino and SANADA as the Tokyo Dome looms? Find out live in English on NJPW World!​

 

[Chris]

Super Jr. Tag League Day 1 Preview (October 24th)​

Tag League kicks off at the Gunma Convention Center

Super Jr. Tag League 2024 kicks off at the Gunma Convention Center on October 24th, featuring the debut of The Velocities and the return of Master Wato, among the first matches of the A Block.

Watch ALL of the Super Jr. Tag League live in English on NJPW World!

Main event: A Block
Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia vs. Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita)

The main event of the first night sees Dragon Dia, no stranger to NJPW fans since replacing partner Ryusuke Taguchi in Best of the Super Jr. 24, back and straight in the main event. They’ll be facing off against TMDK’s Ichiban Sweet Boys — Kosei Fujita and Robbie Eagles.

The unique combination of Dragon Dia and Ryusuke Taguchi are pairing up for only the third time, continuing the Funky Weapon’s trend of unique teams over the years. Will this fresh combination be successful against the well versed technique and high flying maneuvers of Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles?

7th Match: A Block
BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) vs. HOUSE OF TORTURE (SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
Direct tag record: 1–0 HOUSE OF TORTURE

In the semi-main event, two BULLET CLUB sub-factions collide as War Dogs face HOUSE OF TORTURE in a rematch from last year’s Super Jr. Tag League. That night, Kanemaru secured a controversial win via a roll-up. After the War Dogs lost their belts to the Intergalactic Jet Setters at King of Pro Wrestling, the team of Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney have a chip on their shoulder. With the referee needing to keep a close eye on this contest, which BULLET CLUB side will prove dominant?

6th Match: A Block
Tiger Mask & Capitán Suicida vs. Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI

The opening match of the A Block sees Capitán Suicida return, having previously faced Hiromu Takahashi in last year’s Fantastica Mania. Los Ingobernables de Japón emerged victorious in both encounters, but can Suicida find success this time alongside the legendary Jr. Heavyweight, Tiger Mask?

5th Match
Shota Umino, Master Wato & Jado vs. Just five Guys (SANADA, DOUKI & TAKA Michinoku )

In a preview for upcoming singles matches November 4 at Power Struggle, three members of Just 5 Guys face off against Hontai members in a six-man tag match. Veterans Jado and TAKA Michinoku will bring their experience to the table, while DOUKI, riding a recent winning streak, looks to test himself against the returning Master Wato. Wato, sidelined earlier this year due to a knee injury, is eager to show DOUKI he hasn’t missed a beat as they look toward their IWGP Junior Heavyweight title match in November. This match also offers a preview of the upcoming showdown between Shota Umino and SANADA.

4th Match
Tomoaki Honma, Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA vs. United Empire (Jakob Austin Young, Francesco Akira & TJP)

This match previews the second night’s main event, with Catch 2/2 squaring off against the Intergalactic Jet Setters. The new champions, KUSHIDA and Kevin Knight, joined by the legendary Tomoaki Honma, have unfinished business with Akira and TJP, and want to set the pace before Kawasaki Saturday.

3rd Match
Shoma Kato, Ninja Mack & The DKC vs. BULLET CLUB (Gedo, Robbie X & Taiji Ishimori)

After being revealed to the world at Royal Quest, Japanese fans will see Taiji Ishimori’s new partner, Robbie X teaming with BULLET CLUB’s master strategist, Gedo. They face the Young Lion Shoma Kato, LA Dojo product and trainer at the NJPW Academy The DKC, and Ninja Mack, who impressed fans at Best of the Super Jr. 31.

2nd Match
Katsuya Murashima & YOH vs. The Velocities (Jude London & Paris De Silva)

Debuting Australian tag team The Velocities are set to bring their high-flying style to Japan. This match also serves as a sneak peak for their next-night encounter with YOH and Rocky Romero. YOH teams with amateur wrestling standout and Young Lion Katsuya Murashima, who will have to work hard to keep up with the Velocities’ standout pace.

1st Match
Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai
Singles record: 0–0–15

In the opening match, Young Lions Masatora Yasuda and Daiki Nagai face off. Nagai’s team recently claimed victory at Blue Justice XIV, prompting him to call Yasuda and the other Young Lions out backstage. Can Nagai back up his bold words in the ring in a singles match?​

 

[Chris]

Tag league standings after N1:

A Block —

• Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita (1-0): 2 points
• Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney (1-0): 2 points
• Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI (1-0): 2 points
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia (0-1): 0 points
• SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (0-1): 0 points
• Tiger Mask & Capitan Suicida (0-1): 0 points

B Block —

• KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight
• TJP & Francesco Akira
• YOH & Rocky Romero
• The DKC & Ninja Mack
• Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X
• Paris De Silva & Jude London

 

[Chris]

Super Jr. Tag League Day 2 Preview (October 26th)​

B Block is getting ready in Culttz Kawasaki Hall

On the second night of the Super Jr. Tag League 2024 at Culttz Kawasaki Hall on October 26th, the B Block takes center stage, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers trying to leave a mark and win the tournament.

Watch ALL of the Super Jr. Tag League live in English on NJPW World!

Main event: B Block
Intergalactic Jet Setters (KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight) vs.Catch 2/2 (TJP & Francesco Akira)

A lot of history and unfinished business lies between the Jet Setters and Catch 2/2. Last year a trilogy of bouts saw Francesco Akira and TJP take a 2–1 lead over the dynamic Knight and KUSHIDA. Now, with a boost in confidence from holding the belts, the Intergalactic Jet Setters look to even the score in a match that promises to deliver skill and spectacle in equal measure.

7th Match: B Block
The DKC & Ninja Mack vs. Taiji Ishimori & Robbie

The first official match in the Super Jr. Tag league for Taiji Ishimori and his yet to be announced partner X see them face off against a wild card team in their own right: NJPW Academy coach The DKC and the well-traveled high flyer Ninja Mack. Will this unpredictable duo manage to work as a cohesive unit against Ishimori and his mysterious partner?

6th Match: B Block
CHAOS (YOH & Rocky Romero) vs The Velocities (Paris De Silva & Jude London)

Rocky Romero reunites with YOH for this year’s Tag League, invoking memories of Rocky’s time producing Roppongi 3K. They’ll face the high-flying sensations from Australia, The Velocities. Can the CHAOS veterans teach the Australian duo a lesson in tag team wrestling, NJPW style?

5th Match
Jado, Master Wato & Shota Umino vs Just 5 Guys (TAKA Michinoku, DOUKI & SANADA)

In a rematch from the previous night, Hontai faces off against Just 5 Guys. This will be particularly interesting following a challenge issued by Master Wato to DOUKI. With participants looking to build momentum for their upcoming matches in Osaka, securing an early win here will be key for their confidence. Who will emerge with the upper hand?

4th Match
TMDK (Ryohei Oiwa, Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles) vs. BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Gedo, Drilla Moloney & Clark Connors)

This match offers a preview of the next night’s semi-main event, as Kosei Fujita and Robbie Eagles, joined by newcomer Ryohei Oiwa, take on the War Dogs’ Drilla Moloney and Clark Connors, with Gedo in their corner. With the War Dogs aiming to reclaim their belts and the members of TMDK looking to build on their teammates’ success, there’s a lot to prove in that match. Will this match set the tone for what’s to come in Korakuen?

3rd Match
Tomoaki Honma, Dragon Dia & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi)

The unorthodox combination of Tomoaki Honma and Ryusuke Taguchi, joined by Dragon Dia will see themselves face to face against the members of Los Ingobernables De Japon. Both teams strike a perfect balance on paper with years of experience, high risk moves and unique technical offense, so which team will come out victorious, and what direction will Naito carve for himself after his shocking title loss?

2nd Match
Toru Yano, Capitán Suicida & Tiger Mask vs. HOUSE OF TORTURE (Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO)

The members of Hontai are no strangers to fighting HOUSE OF TORTURE. With Capitán Suicida in the mix and Toru Yano not afraid to bend the rules, will Hontai set the pace ahead of tomorrow’s tournament action?

1st Match
Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato vs. Daiki Nagai & Katsuya Murashima

The second night opens with a Young Lions showcase, as Masatora Yasuda and Daiki Nagai face off once again, this time alongside their respective partners, Shoma Kato and Katsuya Murashima. After countless draws in their previous encounters, both teams will be hungry for a breakthrough victory.​

 

[Chris]

Standings after N2:

A Block —

• Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita (1-0): 2 points
• Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney (1-0): 2 points
• Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI (1-0): 2 points
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia (0-1): 0 points
• SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (0-1): 0 points
• Tiger Mask & Capitan Suicida (0-1): 0 points

B Block —

• TJP & Francesco Akira (1-0): 2 points
• Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X (1-0): 2 points
• YOH & Rocky Romero (1-0): 2 points
• KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight (0-1): 0 points
• The DKC & Ninja Mack (0-1): 0 points
• Paris De Silva & Jude London (0-1): 0 points

 

[Chris]

Super Jr. Tag League night 3 (October 27) Preview​

Both blocks in Korakuen action

October 27 sees the first of two nights in Korakuen Hall, as Super Jr. Tag League comes to Tokyo. Both blocks will be in action, as the teams tackle their second league matchups.
Watch live in English on NJPW World!
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Main event: SJTL B Block- CHAOS (YOH & Rocky Romero)(1–0) vs Catch 2/2 (TJP & Francesco Akira)(1–0)​

The B Block main event pits 2023 Super Junior Tag League winners Catch 2/2 against one half of the 2022 winners in YOH and his 2024 partner Rocky Romero. The junior heavyweight tag team pedigree of both of these teams is off the charts, and will be on full display here in Korakuen Hall.
After wins in Kawasaki Saturday there’s no doubt that both teams are hungry to keep that momentum going. TJP and Francesco Akira are feeling more of that momentum as they beat the IWGP Junior Heavyweight tag Champions in the Intergalactic Jet Setters Saturday, but does pride come before a fall? There’s also a long history for TJP and Rocky Romero stretching back to formative days in LA, and past and present will be meeting in full force in this main event.
​

6th Match: SJTL A Block- Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita) (1–0) vs BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) (1–0)​

Direct tag record: 1–1

After two prior meetings in the last twelve months, A Block action sees a rubber match of sorts for Ichiban Sweet Boys and the War Dogs in Korakuen. Last year, a critical league meeting saw Drilla Moloney and Clark Connors taken out of finals contention after Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita scooped victory in just three minutes and thirty three seconds. It was a deep humiliation for the then junior tag champions, and one that would show Moloney have long memories and deep desire for revenge.

Though it took until June for that revenge to come, it did in a brutally punishing defence of junior gold in Sapporo earlier this summer. Four months down the line, and Connors and Moloney are without that gold. With both teams on the warpath, and Gunma seeing both teams victorious in their openers, who comes out on top of our semi main?
​

5th Match: Jado, Master Wato & Shota Umino vs Just Five Guys (TAKA Michinoku, DOUKI & SANADA)​

In a break from tournament battles, six man action sees another double preview of Power Struggle, where Master Wato challenges IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion DOUKI and SANADA takes on Shota Umino. After a crushing loss to Zack Sabre Jr. in London, will he and Just Five Guys be able to get back on pace and perhaps chart a path to the Tokyo Dome?
​

4th Match: SJTL B Block- Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA) (0–1) vs BULLET CLUB (Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X) (1–0)​

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions face the 1–0 Taiji Ishimori and Robbie X tonight. Though this is a first time tag team encounter, Taiji Ishimori and KUSHIDA’s complicated history is at the forefront. Their 2:2 scoreline one on one with their most recent interaction being a lightning quick win for KUSHIDA during Best of the Super Jr. should provide a heated backdrop to this tag encounter. With the IWGP Jr. Tag Champs down in their first match, can they even up the score, or be put behind the eight ball by the dynamic BULLET CLUB side?
​

3rd Match: SJTL A Block- Skateboard Brothers (Dragon Dia & Ryusuke Taguchi)(0–1) vs Los Ingobernables De Japon (BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi) (1–0)​

After LIJ scored an opening night win, and the Skateboard Bros. fell in the first night main event, the two teams head into Korakuen at 1–0 and 0–1. During Best of the Super Jr. this year, Dragon Dia fought hard against Hiromu Takahashi but just came up short of the Time Bomb, who has his own long history with Ryusuke Taguchi. Will the Open the Brave Gate Champion and his enigmatic veteran partner get on the board?
​

2nd Match: SJTL B Block- Ninja Mack & The DKC (0–1) vs The Velocities (Paris De Silva & Jude London) (0–1)​

After losses for both the Velcoities and Mack and DKC in Kawasaki, they face off on the second match of the night. The Velocities have already blown away crowds with their debut performance albeit without their hands raised Saturday. Meanwhile the Ninja Mack and DKC combination hasn’t all been smooth sailing. With thew two getting into heated arguments on their first nights together, can they get on the same page tonight?
​

1st Match: SJTL A Block: Tiger Mask & Capitan Suicida (0–1) vs HOUSE OF TORTURE (SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) (0–1)​

We get underway in Korakuen with HOUSE OF TORTURE facing the Hontai and CMLL combination of Capitan Suicida and Tiger Mask. Kanemaru and Tiger Mask’s issues go back decades and have included many a torn and stolen mask over the years. As both teams look to get their first win, will things be similarly heated in our opener?​

 

[Chris]

Standings after N3, both Blocks have had two days now

A Block —

• Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney (2-0): 4 points
• Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita (1-1): 2 points
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia (1-1): 2 points
• Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI (1-1): 2 points
• SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (1-1): 2 points
• Tiger Mask & Capitan Suicida (0-2): 0 points

B Block —

• TJP & Francesco Akira (2-0): 4 points
• Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X (1-1): 2 points
• YOH & Rocky Romero (1-1): 2 points
• KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight (1-1): 2 points
• The DKC & Ninja Mack (1-1): 2 points
• Paris De Silva & Jude London (0-2): 0 points

 

[Chris]

Super Junior Tag League night 4 (October 28) preview​

Match three for both blocks

Monday will see the Super Junior Tag League already reach its midway point, as both teams wrestle their third of five league matchups.
​

Main event: SJTL A Block- Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita) (1–1) vs Los Ingobernables De Japon (Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI) (1–1)​

The 1–1 Kosei Fujita and Robbie Eagles will be heading into Monday’s main event with a point to prove against the similarly scoring Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI. It was during Best of the Super Jr this year that Hiromu and Robbie’s on again off again rivalry seemed to reach a new stage, with Eagles ruthless in his offence on the Time Bomb before Hiromu barely survived for the win, and Eagles was left on the outside of the tournament hunt.

Meanwhile BUSHI defeated Fujita earlier in the tournament as well, leaving both TMDK members looking to avenge singles losses in this critical main event. Who will be able to get up to four points?
​

6th Match: SJTL B Block- Roppongi ReVice (Rocky Romero & YOH) (2–0) vs BULLET CLUB (Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X) (1–1)​

After a huge main event win Sunday, Korakuen will see the Roppongi ReVice side of Rocky Romero and YOH trying to continue their momentum and stay clear at the top of the table. In the way are Taiji Ishimori and Robbie X, who were handed their first loss in the Hall Sunday and will not want to let a blip turn into a slump. Can they bounce back fast?
​

5th Match: TMDK (Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr.) vs Los Ingobernables De Japon (Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi)​

Ahead of our main event on November 4, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. and NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi do battle tonight in Korakuen Hall. It will be ZSJ’s first time in the hallowed Hall with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, as he tries to set the pace against his challenger in just one week’s time, while his partner Oiwa has his own point to prove.
After losing to Takagi in his own challenge for the NEVER gold at Ryogoku, Oiwa is getting set to face KENTA in Lowell at Fighting Spirit Unleashed. Before then, a man who sees himself at the center of a ‘super new generation’ will try to make a significant mark against a Yota Tsuji who is himself looking to restart his ascent heading into Tokyo Dome season.
​

4th Match: SJTL A Block- Skateboard Bros. (Dragon Dia & Ryusuke Taguchi) (1–1) vs HOUSE OF TORTURE (SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) (1–1)​

The 1–1 Dragon Dia and Ryusuke Taguchi will look to secure their second win in a row against SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Taguchi and all of Honati’s issues with HOUSE OF TORTURE are long documented, with the Coach’s return from injury back in June being derailed by H.O.T one of many frustrations he will look to act out on in this key league bout.
​

3rd Match: SJTL B Block- Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA) (1–1) vs Ninja Mack & DKC (1–1)​

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Kevin Knight and KUSHIDA head to their third match at two points after their first win Sunday. Their form mixed, they take on a combination in Ninja Mack and DKC. Initially blighted by personal issues, a burial of the hatchet saw them to their first points over the Velocities Sunday. Can they polish off the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?
​

2nd Match: SJTL A Block- Tigre Suicida (Tiger Mask & Capitan Suicida) (0–2) vs BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) (2–0)​

Tiger Mask and Capitan Suicida must win
The first A Block match of the night sees the winless Capitan Suicida and Tiger Mask face off with the chart topping Moloney and Connors. After a second loss in Korakuen Hall, the NJPW/CMLL team of Suicida and Tiger Mask are now left with their backs to the wall, and needing a victory to stay in the hunt tonight. That’s a tall order agaisnt Moloney adn Connors, who have designs on extending their lead.
​

1st Match: SJTL B Block- Catch 2/2 (Francesco Akira & TJP)(1–1) vs The Velocities (Jude London & Paris De Silva) (0–2)​

The Velocities must win
We kick off in high speed style as the Velocities take on Catch 2/2. Paris De Silva and Jude London must win to remain in the chase, while TJP and Francesco Akira need to get back on form after a loss in yesterday’s main event. We’re sure to bring the spectacle from the opening bell in Korakuen!


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