Fred Rosser is proving himself as the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion since taking the belt from Tom Lawlor. He’d call for an open challenge, and this was accepted by Jonathan Gresham last night. Rosser had a warm up against an ECW & WCW legend in Crowbar, but Gresham is a completely different wrestler in every way. There’s little brawling with Gresham, who prided himself as one of the greatest technical wrestlers in the world during his time in Ring of Honor. He can cut down any opponent, and Rosser might see his power edge used against him quickly in this one.
’The Android’ Alex Coughlin Announces In-Ring Return For World Tag League
Before this match, we’d hear from a returning Alex Coughlin. The LA Dojo graduate would call out the man who injured him, JR Kratos. Now with the nickname “The Android”, he’d announce that he will return to the ring starting next month as part of World Tag League. His partner remains unclear, with Coughlin not forming a solid tag team prior to now.
However, the power of Coughlin alone could move mountains – and we always see Hiroshi Tanahashi try out new partners in this annual tag team tournament. This is pure speculation, as the field of World Tag League remains incredibly unclear at this time – with announcements hopefully coming in the weeks following the end of the Battle Autumn tour.
Mr. No Days Off vs. The Octopus
Gresham would offer a handshake, showing honor even when no longer part of the Ring of Honor roster. Rosser would go for a rear waistlock, before Gresham tried to get an arm bar – only to apply a headlock. Gresham would slip free, and nailed a chop to the chest before a headlock takedown.
Rosser would not stay down for long, only for Gresham to force him to the floor – but not follow up, knowing a brawl isn’t his strong point. Back in the ring, Rosser would use his power to win out in a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock, before being taken to the mat again – but would be able to fight back to his feet. Rosser would take this one to the apron, but Gresham tripped him up and applied a Figure Four Leg Lock.
Gresham would roll down to the floor with the hold still intact, holding it to get maximum damage. It would not be enough, as Rosser got free and hit a Back Body Drop – causing Gresham to crash onto the thin mats at ringside. Rosser would hit a Tenryu style combo in the corner of the ring, lariats with a follow through chop.
Running knee strike would follow as Gresham fell to the mat, before Rosser would look to apply the STF. Gresham was able to fight free, before throwing strikes with Rosser – taking a cross chop to the throat before slapping Rosser in the ear. Rosser came back twice as hard to Gresham’s ear, nearly knocking him out.
Gresham would find his footing and hitting a dropkick to the knee – before grapevining the legs to try for a submission. Rosser would fight hard, and was able to find the bottom rope to survive.
Fred Rosser Shows Why He’s A Champion In 2022
Gresham was sent to the apron, and nailed with a big boot to the face. Rosser would quickly set up and hit the back drop onto the apron – which is of course, the hardest part of the ring. Gresham would be rolled back into the ring, where he’d be able to once again target the legs of Rosser.
Figure Four Leg Lock would be applied right on the Lion Mark in the middle of the ring, and Rosser would manage to sit up and try to strike his way to freedom. Gresham would twist his hips and put the pressure on the ankle of Rosser, showing his submission skills in the small adjustments to increase pain. He’d even grab at the hand of Rosser as it reached the ropes, with Rosser having to outpower Gresham.
Rosser would hit a rolling elbow for a two count, before trading forearm smashes with Gresham. He’d get some two for one combos in with fast rights and lefts, before Gresham hit an Enziguri into a High Angle German Suplex for a two count. Bayonet elbow smashes would follow, with Rosser taking two before countering with a lariat for a near fall – before ending this with the SideWinder.
Who will step up to Fred Rosser next to try and take the belt? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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