NJPW On AXS Recap (1/15): Mauro Announces, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Okada, Naito, Bullet Club
Welcome to Wrestling Inc's coverage of NJPW on AXS. This episode will show off several matches from the New Japan Cup's first round from March 5, 2015.
Doc Gallows (w/ Cody Hall & Tama Tonga) vs. Kota Ibushi
Gallows starts strong, pummeling Ibushi. Gallows misses a running splash and gets dropkicked outside the ring by Ibushi. Kota follows up by wiping out Bullet Club with a Golden Triangle moonsault. Back inside the ring, Ibushi hits a missile dropkick and a German suplex for a two count. Gallows comes back with a Gallows Pole, but Ibushi manages to kick out. Ibushi catches Gallows with a hurcanrana out of nowhere for the win.
Winner: Kota Ibushi via pinfall (hurcanrana)
- WWE fans should probably be watching this episode, as a few of these guys will be in town soon.
Karl Anderson vs. Tetsuya Naito
Anderson starts by powerbombing Naito onto the apron. This is babyface Naito, so I'm surprised he's selling it. Naito gets posted, then pummeled inside the ring after kicking out. He comes back and drops Anderson, then finds success with a running senton. A huracanrana and corner dropkick hit for Naito as we go to commercial. We come back and see Naito land a German Suplex and a Stardust Press for the win.
Winner: Tetsuya Naito via pinfall (Stardust Press)
Bullet Club not doing so hot on this week's episode, but they have another shot with Bad Luck Fale.
Bad Luck Fale vs. Okada (w/ Jado)
The two battle outside, where Fale slams Okada on the floor. Back inside the ring, Okada takes Fale off his feet with a dropkick, and follows up with a diving elbow. Fale reverses a Rainmaker and turns it into a Samoan drop, but Okada kicks out. Fale completely destroys Okada with a spear, and somehow that doesn't finish it.
Fale goes for a powerbomb, but Okada instead hits a reverse neckbreaker. Okada escapes the Bad Luck Fall and connects with two big dropkicks before walking into a Grenade from Fale. Bad Luck Fale picks up Okada and lands another Grenade that's good for a two count. Fale comes off the top rope with a big splash, and somehow Okada kicks out. Bad Luck Fall finishes a really good match. Fale wins!
Winner: Bad Luck Fale via pinfall (Bad Luck Fall)
- We see a very brief Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano, that Yano wins in 2:45 with a hair pull pin.