When Taichi was able to take the KOPW 2022 Championship from Toru Yano, he would try to elevate it to a main event level. Challenging former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi would help towards this goal – and tonight they clash. It’s a special ‘thirty count’ match, meaning all pinfalls accounts will be added up until someone reaches thirty. By the end of this one, any pinfall could be fatal – making this one potentially very intense.
Already The Best KOPW Match In The Belts History
Both men would start this match in cautious fashion, as a first mistake could put someone a few counts behind. They’d lock up, with Shingo forcing Taichi to the ropes – but allowing a clean break. Taichi would try for a roll up, but didn’t even get a one count.
Both men would quickly go for pinfalls following strikes, getting three counts apiece. Taichi was sent out of the ring, but there are no count outs in this particular match. He’d take his time getting back into the ring, before going for the Greco Roman Throat Hold. Taichi got another two count – putting this one to 5-3.
Shingo rolled to the outside, where Taichi was quick to follow. He’d drive Shingo into the barricade, before sliding him back into the ring. A hook kick would allow for another two count, putting this one to 7-3 in favour of Taichi. Shingo was choked in the corner before being snapped down to the mat for a kick to the spine.
Another two count would follow, putting Taichi to a 9-3 lead. Shingo quickly was able to get a two count of his own, but was still lagging behind. Taichi kicked Shingo while he was down, using the kicks made famous by his mentor – Toshiaki Kawada.
Shingo would tease a jab forcing Taichi to duck into a small package for a two count. 9-7 lead for Taichi was maintained, but Shingo was catching up fast. Another quick pinfall would allow Shingo to tie this match at 9-9, before failing to land Made in Japan.
Taichi Remains In The Lead Through Hard Hitting Action
Taichi would hit a gamiguri in the corner, before getting another two points to put this one to 11-9. Shingo was back to his feet and trading blows with Taichi in the middle of the ring, this one proving to be as hard hitting as the recent Ishii vs. Suzuki bout at Windy City Riot. Taichi would win out again, and get another two points – pushing the score to 13-9 after a jumping high kick landed.
Closing up the gap, Shingo would quickly catch Taichi with the Made in Japan for a two count. He’d signal for pumping bomber as the scoreboard read 13-11, but instead hit a backdrop driver – with Taichi responding in kind. Two more points to Taichi, who was halfway to a win at 15 points.
Shingo would go for broke and attempt Last of the Dragon, but Taichi fought to the corner. A superplex was in the works for Shingo, and granted him two points – putting this to 15-13. Last of the Dragon was attempted once again, but Taichi slipped free.
Battling To An Intense Finish
Pumping Bomber met Axe Bomber- and Axe Bomber won out, getting Taichi another two points. Shingo threw a handful of lariats before eating a massive forearm smash and hitting Black Mephisto. Taichi would get up a 23-13 lead after a long pinfall, putting victory well within grasp.
Shingo would get desperate, and grab five points off a Gedo Cutch and cradle pin – before Last of the Dragon got another four points. 23-22 was the score, and both men would hold their ground as they threw lariats in the middle of the ring.
Taichi would grab a Gedo Clutch and advance to 28 points – while Shingo grabbed a one count. Taichi was two points away from victory, but Shingo nailed a pumping bomber for a one count. Axe Bomber would follow for one point – putting this to 29-24 in favour of Taichi.
It was do or die for Shingo at this point, and he knew it. Another pinfall was attempted, but Shingo was able to kick out before one. Pumping Bomber landed, but Taichi rolled to the ropes. A headbutt and sliding lariat was followed by Last of The Dragon – taking Shingo to 30 points – and claiming the win.
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