TJP is the newest member of The United Empire, and arguably one of their most skilled. Tonight he will team with Jeff Cobb, as they meet two graduates from the LA Dojo in Clark Connors & Karl Fredericks. With Will Ospreay watching, Cobb & TJP know what needs to be done – and that’s to destroy the LA Dojo trainees. However – Shibata is also watching, and this is a chance to really impress the man who shaped them into killers.
Never Count Karl Fredericks & Clark Connors Out
Cobb & Fredericks kicked this off, two men who know each other well. Fredericks caused Cobb to tumble outside, so alongside Clark they could focus on the smaller TJP. Heavy strikes were thrown as TJP was looking to see if Cobb was ready for a tag, trying his best to weather the storm. However, a choke through the ropes would see him get the edge – and Cobb could come in safely on Conners.
The Wild Rhino rushed in hard, but Cobb didn’t budge. Cobb would drop him with ease, and walk right over him. Connors was carried into the corner where TJP made a tag, nailed with a backbreaker – and a senton soon after. TJP would nail a fast series of suplexes, getting a two count. Isolated from Fredericks, Connors would pick a spot to nail a German Suplex – and jump for the tag.
Fredericks would take the strikes from Cobb and nail some of his own, before taking a headbutt. Brainbuster was countered into a signature spinebuster, getting Fredericks a two count. Cobb fired back with the spin-cycle, forcing Connors back in with a tag. TJP nailed a swinging DDT and Cobb a moonsault – before Fredericks made the save.
TJP was hit with a springboard double stomp and huge back elbow – kicking out at two. A smart eyepoke and roll up almost got the win for TJP, but Connors adjusted things so Fredericks had the roll up – getting the win!
Best tag team match of the night, would love to see Fredericks & Connors in a future World Tag League. Great teamwork and chemistry from all four men, and a fun finish as well! Match Rating: 3.25/5 (*** 1/4)
When Will Ospreay came to NJPW Strong, he claimed to be the Real World Champion, before trashing the LA Dojo. Ospreay would even say that Katsuyori Shibata’s trainees lacked the killer instinct necessary to become champions. Ren Nartia has proven this wrong, and could be viewed as the second coming of Shibata – something he can prove tonight as he takes Ospreay on in singles action.
Ren Narita Pushes Will Ospreay To His Limits
The crowd loved Narita as his music hit, but seeing Will Ospreay ws a real treat. Easy to forget the year he had in 2020 – he’s among the best in the world right now. Combine that with the fire of Narita and this one is gonna be fun. Narita started fast, sending Ospreay to the outside. A big back body drop would punish Ospreay, before some hard kicks to the back.
Getting payback, Ospreay nailed a backdrop across the barricade, and would have taken a count out win. Instead, Narita made it back in ahead of the count – and would be ready for more punishment in the ring. A big suplex evened the playing field, before a second got a two count for Narita. Ospreay sent Narita outside for a dive, but missed and took a big suplex.
Getting back in at 19, Ospreay ran into a boot to the side of the face and a kneebar – but was able to grab the ropes. They’d trade forearms, before Ospreay wanted Stormbreaker, Narita instead countered into a sleeper hold and cobra twist. With the haircut, gear, and Ospreay tied up – you’d swear it was Shibata himself. Ospreay would counter out, but the hook kick was blocked into a German Suplex.
Another suplex would see Ospreay counter into a cutter, getting a chance to breathe. OsCutter was countered, but Narita would be powerbombed. 450 Splash would follow, but instead Ospreay found himself in the Narita Special. Some downward strikes and the step over, and Ospreay was fighting for the ropes.
Narita would dodge Hidden Blade with only an inch of space, before applying a front chokehold. Ospreay powered out and nailed Chelsea Grin, OsCutter, and finally Hidden Blade to put Narita down.
A very fun back and forth clash, with Ospreay showing why he’s one of the best – and Narita showing he’s going to be a main event name. Ren Narita will be a top champion in NJPW someday, and could fill a main event role now. Match Rating: 4/5 (****)
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