When Zack Sabre Jr. met EVIL during the G1 Climax earlier this year, he defeated him in just 44 seconds with clever use of Kosei Fujita. Now, they meet in the semi-finals of the NJPW World Television Championship tournament, with EVIL keen to redeem that loss. In the past, EVIL has been able to defeat ZSJ twice – but never within 15 minutes, the strict time limit of all matches in this tournament, with it taking up to 22 minutes for him to win. Tonight, if that’s the case – this one goes to chance.
Zack Sabre Jr. Once Again Outplays EVIL At Every Turn
EVIL & Togo would take down Kosei Fujita before the bell, after ZSJ used him again to give the pre-match comments. Someone in a shirt saying “I Am Also ZSJ” woul;d come out, and it was Ryohei Owai – distracing Togo & EVIL. In the ring, ZSJ would get EVIL with a crucifix pin for a two count. A brawl broke out on the floor, with Oiwa & Fujita slammed onto him.
ZSJ would use a chair placed around his neck as a weapon, before sitting EVIL in the time keepers table – and smashing Togo into the table, crashing it over to the glee of the fans in the arena, getting justice for timekeeper Abe. Fujita was used to spear ZSJ on the floor, before EVIL looked for the Darkness Scorpion, with ZSJ countering into a heel hook.
Togo would grab EVIL from under the ring, thinking he got ZSJ – before EVIL took a PK in the ring. EuroClutch would get a near fall, before ZSJ applied an ankle lock. The Young Lions took Dick Togo out, but EVIL hit a low blow in the ring for a two count. The STO was blocked into the Ground Cobra, and ZSJ is going to Tokyo Dome!
Tournament Finals Set!
This means that Zack Sabre Jr. will go on to Wrestle Kingdom 17 to face Ren Narita for the NJPW World Television Championship. They shared the ring a few times when Narita was a Young Lion – but never in singles. ZSJ has some experience with his mentor, Shibata – wrestling Shibata in his return match, a five minute grappling exhibition.
Narita takes a lot of cues from Shibata in his style, but he is truly his own man. This is going to be an incredible match in the Tokyo Dome, and whoever leaves as Television Champion will have truly earned it. Who will leave Tokyo Dome as champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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