Whenever Scott Norton hits a NJPW ring, you know that business is about to pick up. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and NWO member will lead BULLET CLUB into battle against The United Empire tonight. In his corner is Hikuleo, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, Chris Bey, and El Phantasmo. Meanwhile, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, TJP, Aaron Henare, and Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) represent the United Empire tonight.
Scott Norton Officially Joins BULLET CLUB
The crowd was split on who to back during this match – with both heel factions getting massive pops from the crowd. Scott Norton especially got a great reaction when he hit the stage. While he was not as hard built as he was during his original run in NJPW, the forgein ace has a legacy that speaks for itself.
During the ring introductions, Doc Gallows would exchange words with Jeff Cobb – one half of the current IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. You know Gallows & Anderson want another reign, and pinning some champions tonight would kick start that. Anderson would make Scott Norton an official member of BULLET CLUB.
Two The Best Factions In NJPW Go To War
TJP would kick things off against Chris Bey – perhaps the fastest men in this match. Bey would start with a shoulder tackle before catching TJP into a spinebuster. TJP would get a headscissor – before they’d trade side headlock takeovers. If these two aren’t in Best of The Super Juniors this year, it’d be a crime against wrestling fans.
Henare would call out The Young Gun Hikuleo – who had no BULLET CLUB branding on his gear. A chokeslam would be blocked, but a pop up punch landed to the jaw of Henare. The receipt came with a liver shot and a rolling solebutt kick – before Norton tagged in.
Jeff Cobb would want a taste of the legend – and the crowd went wild. Norton would go for a suplex, only to take one from Cobb. He’d pop back to his feet before nailing a suplex on Cobb. He’s lost no power as he aged – and the crowd chanted ‘You still got it’ – actually warranted for once.
A test of strength would see Norton win, but Cobb get a blind tag to TJP. Clubbing lariat dropped TJP, before Norton tagged out to Bey. ELP & Bey would work together to break down TJP, while ELP wound up Aussie Open before showing some grandstanding – bouncing around the ring for a back rake. Gallows & Anderson would follow suit, before Hikuelo went up top for a super back rake. Norton would instead hit a headbutt and a powerbomb tease into a back rake.
United Empire Claim The Win – But Gallows & Anderson Want A Title Shot
TJP would get the opening for a tag and got Mark Davis into the ring. The heavy hitter would drop both Bey & ELP with a double scoop slam before nearly pinning two men. Fletcher tagged in and hit a combo cutter with Davis but Gallows broke the hold.
Gallows & Anderson would brawl with Cobb & Great-O-Khan, with Cobb nearly taking the Magic Killer. O-Khan hit the mongolian chops and throat thrusts, before Aussie Open would hit a combo slam and lariat. Fans were loving Aussie Open – and Bey was driven down with Fidget Spinner for the win.
After the bell, Gallows & Anderson would once again get in the face of Great-O-Khan and Cobb. This match will come sooner or later, but tonight United Empire proved to be the superior unit. Their next title defence comes at Wrestling Dontaku on May 1st – defending against Bishamon and Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale of BULLET CLUB.
Will Gallows & Anderson soon return to Japan? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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