When the field for the NJPW World Television Championship Tournament was announced, you could almost feel the collective groan when EVIL would be revealed. However, as a former IWGP World Champion and recently NEVER Openweight Champion, he belongs in this tournament more than anyone. That doesn’t change that everyone wants to see him taken out early to cut down on House of Torture ruining the reputation of the belt before someone even holds it – giving uncanny support for Aaron Henare. Henare proved his skills in the G1 Climax with some big wins, and this belt could well be his first singles gold in NJPW.
The Ultimate Weapon vs. The King Of Darkness
Henare would rush down EVIL before the bell even rang – and would run EVIL out to the floor. Dick Togo tried to get involved with a steel chair, but was run off by Henare. Back in the ring, Henare hit some body blows before EVIL looked for the STO. EVIL would be unable to hit his finisher – but shoved Henare into the ropes as Togo swung the steel chair.
Darkness Scorpion would be applied, but Henare was able to find the bottom rope. EVIL took this one to the floor, and drove Henare into the barricade – right into the timekeepers table. While this was happening, Dick Togo loosened the corner pad in the ring – where Henare was thrown as EVIL pulled him back in. A Fisherman Suplex would follow, getting EVIL a two count.
Henare would look for the springboard kick in the corner, but EVIL would duck. EVIL would be taken down with the Lou Thesz Press, with Henare hitting some quick punches to the face. A kick to the head and a running senton soon followed, getting Henare a two count. EVIL would be thrown into the exposed corner of the ring, before a Samoan Drop would land.
EVIL Reigns Supreme
Berzerker Bomb would get another near fall for Henare – and he’d remain on the offensive as he applied Ultima. The fingers were locked in, and Dick Togo would dim the lights to allow EVIL to get free with the benefit of a low blow. EVIL would also take the referee down in the dark, before being handed a steel chair by Dick Togo.
He’d break it over the head of Henare, who would no sell this – the attack just pissing him off. EVIL would be beaten into the corner and hit with the rising knee, before the Rampage Tackle. Diving Senton would get the near fall, and the surge of adrenaline following the chair shot was waning.
Streets Of Rage would be set, but Dick Togo would run a distraction before being taken out by Henare. EVIL would fail to use the referee to help with the Magic Killer, before taking the spinning heel kick. Henare would miss the diving senton, and EVIL would find his feet first and hit the big lariat for a one count.
EVIL would throw another lariat and while Henare would stand tall, he’d be thrown into the corner post and hit with the STO for the victory. EVIL advances to the quarter finals, but Henare showed an extra level tonight.
Will House of Torture claim the NJPW World Television Championship? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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