NJPW x NOAH Wrestle Kingdom 17 Results: Manabu Soya [2] Defeats SANADA [1], Shingo Takagi [2] Defeats Katsuhiko Nakajima [2] To Keep Best Of Five Series Going (01/21)

SANADA & Manabu Soya are no strangers to one another. When they were together in All Japan Pro Wrestling – they would hold the All Asia Tag Team Championships together. Before that, they traded wins as they found their styles. Now, both men are the complete package of professional wrestlers, with SANADA & Soya both claiming championship glory.

Tonight, they meet in their first singles match since the 2012 AJPW Champions Carnival, with faction pride on the line. Tadasuke got the first victory over BUSHI, only for Hiromu Takahashi to take down Hajime Ohara – putting this Best of Five Series at 1-1.

Manabu Soya Shows Up Big Against His Former Tag Team Partner SANADA

SANADA would kick things off in a cautious manner, grabbing the wrist of Soya in the middle of the ring. Soya fired back with a forearm smash, before sending SANADA over the top rope with a lariat. SANADA would be thrown into the barricades, before being rolled into the ring. An aggressive bulldog would follow from Soya, getting an early two count.

SANADA would be pulled off the mat with a deadlift suplex, but was able to shift into a suplex of his own. Soya would be run off the ropes, with SANADA able to leapfrog him twice before the dropkick. Sent to the floor, Soya would have no chance to breathe before being hit with the Vaulting Body Press.

Back in the ring, Soya would nail a spear on SANADA – and would follow up with a rushing lariat into the corner. SANADA would be hoisted up for the Canadian Backbreaker, earning a two count. Wild Bomber would be avoided by SANADA, who slipped to the apron for the Springboard Dropkick. TKO would follow, with Soya able to block the attempt at Skull End into a powerslam.

SANADA was able to kick out, setting up the Magic Screw using the ropes. Two Muta Moonsaults would follow, with the first one landing – and the second seeing Soya getting his knees up. They’d rise up and trade strikes in the middle of the ring, with SANADA ending up with a red chest from the chops of Soya.

SANADA threw a Rolling Elbow, only to be caught with a Death Valley Bomb. Wild Bomber would be avoided and caught into a O’Connor Roll instead for a two count. Jumping DDT from Soya would get another near fall, before both men traded pinfalls. Wild Bomber finally landed – and SANADA was beat. 2-1 Kongo.

Shingo Takagi & Katsuhiko Nakajima Don’t Hold Their Punches

When the card for this show was announced, fans all around the world would circle Shingo Takagi vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima. Two of the hardest hitters in all of professional wrestling, they both battle with the utmost respect for the sport. They could well challenge to be the leaders of their factions, and are both former World Champions. However tonight, it’s not about titles – as Takagi & Nakajima look to prove who’s faction is the stronger unit.

Nakajima & Takagi would be slow to start, with both men knowing that a single flush strike could end this match in an instant. Takagi would be so worried about the strikes, that he almost got caught with a Vertical Drop Brainbuster. Nakajima was unable to spike Takagi on his head, before both men traded strikes in the middle of the ring. A kick from Nakajima sent Takagi off the ropes, who came back with a stiff shoulder tackle.

Nakajima would hit a knee to the midsection of a running Takagi, causing the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion to fold. A measured PK to the ribs would follow, Nakajima playing for keeps already in this match.Takagi would roll to the floor and took a stiff kick to the chest, with Nakajima choosing to mock Takagi in the ring. When Takagi was able to pull himself back in, he would be choked in the corner.

Takagi would try to fight back into this match with the jab and the Yukon Lariat, at least getting him a chance to recover. The Twist & Shout style neckbreaker would follow, and Takagi would fire up. A massive running lariat into the corner rocked Nakajima, before Takagi would hit the superplex.

Hard Hitting Action From Bell To Bell

Made In Japan attempt would be blocked by Nakajima, who would apply the Cobra Twist. When thrown off, Nakajima would also suffer a stiff kick to the ribs – a receipt from earlier in the match. They’d trade forearm smashes to the face, with both men having smiles on their face, until Takagi hit one that staggered Nakajima.

Coming back with a roundhouse kick, Nakajima would welcome a standing lariat, but Takagi was overwhelmed in a striking exchange. Switching up, Takagi would hit the Backdrop Driver, but missed the Pumping Bomber and took a head kick. Takagi would be checked for a potential KO, and he was able to respond to keep this match moving.

Vertical Spike would be blocked by Takagi, before taking a palm strike to the jaw – another potential KO. This time, Nakajima didn’t allow someone to check Takagi, going right for the Vertical Spike – getting a near fall. Takagi would be able to catch a kick and turn it into Made in Japan – but was unable to move right into a pinfall. Pumping Bomber would follow, another near fall in the match. Last of the Dragon landed – and this series is tied up 2-2.

Which faction is better, Kongo or Los Ingobernables De Japon? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.

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