DDT Around The World – September 2023

September was looking to be more of a quiet month for looking at the overseas adventures of the DDT extended family until the last week showed up like an avalanche. You can always get a lot of news to cover during tournament weekends. It’s a shame that the current state of the independent scene means those tentpole super weekend events don’t get as much coverage like they used to. Can’t blame them when WWE and AEW dominates everybody’s attention. It’s only going to get tougher when those two companies increase their schedules and reach out even further. This week’s news of WWE getting an ABEMA deal and having NOAH promote it on social media does not thrill me. I’ve seen how this story goes before. Even if some kind of big crossover does happen with WWE it is never worth it for the other company in the long run. And any pundit who says a project like NXT Japan will work as a gateway for getting WWE fans into Japanese wrestling is only fooling themselves. The appetite that audience has for non-WWE wrestling is just not there anymore.

Heading into October we have Konosuke Takeshita deep into a feud with The Golden Lovers. The lack of actual wrestling from Takeshita last month annoyed me. I get holding some wrestlers back for PPV but his standard of ring work has been missing from AEW TV recently. His storyline is also pulling in other wrestlers who are never hurting for screentime which makes me worry he is getting pushed to the side. Maki Itoh has finished up her latest North American tour, Shoko Nakajima had a quick trip to the USA and Miyu Yamashita was in the middle of wrestling in UK and Ireland when the month began. The big chunk of news that completely passed me by until it happened was Mizuki Watase going over to wXw in Germany with Shigehiro Irie. Oh and Tokyo Joshi Pro squeezed in a visit to China right at the deadline.

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Videos

Konosuke Takeshita In AEW Playlist

AEW “DYNAMITE”, 13/09/2023
Heritage Bank Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

The Invisible Hand, Don Callis, debuts his new masterpiece and next target!

AEW “RAMPAGE”, 22/09/2023
Heritage Bank Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

After his shocking turn on Chris Jericho, Guevara explains his actions!

AEW “DYNAMITE”, 27/09/2023
1st Bank Center, Broomfield, Colorado, USA

Don Callis, Takeshita & Guevara admire their work before WrestleDream!

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Results

OTT “WRESTLERAMA”, 02/09/2023
The Warehouse Red Cow, Dublin, Ireland

1. Session Moth Martina & Miyu Yamashita defeated Debbie Keitel & Emersyn Jayne (w/ Anita Vaughan) (9:36).

A few years ago the idea of Yamashita wrestling in OTT would have had me overjoyed but nowadays I don’t want to give the company much of my attention because of how people attached to them handled and disregarded Speaking Out. Her Irish wrestling debut had a slight change in plan thanks to the other team. Debbie Keitel was advertised to team with Anita Vaughan but she instead surprised everyone by bringing along Emersyn Jayne to be her partner instead.

MLW “FURY ROAD”, 03/09/2023
2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

1. MLW Women’s World Featherweight Title No. 1 Contendership: B3CCA defeated Maki Itoh with the World Tour (7:42).

A singer showdown took place when Itoh made her first appearance in MLW. Itoh and B3CCA both love to be the centre of attention and literally fought over the microphone during their match. Itoh won that exchange and told B3CCA to “kiss my ass, bitch!” She also found a Singapore cane to beat up B3CCA with outside the ring. But Itoh made the grave mistake of missing the Flying Big Head, allowing B3CCA to give her a Death Valley Driver to the corner and then pin her with the World Tour 450 Splash.

AEW “ALL OUT”, 03/09/2023
United Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis) defeated Kenny Omega with the Powerdrive Knee (22:30).

A few days after Takeshita pinned Kenny Omega in England, he did it again back in America this time in a singles match. The match carried history over from Omega’s time in DDT, wearing new green and yellows tights based on what he wore in the early 2010s. Don Callis got involved though and brought the dreaded screwdriver into the match for Takeshita to use. However this time the referee stopped it from being used. It turned out Takeshita wouldn’t have needed it because he went on to beat Omega anyway, pulling down his kneepad to hit a raw Powerdrive Knee for the victory. The match even got ***** from Dave Meltzer! Okay, that doesn’t mean as much as it used to but it’s still a good accomplishment to have. Also let’s face it, when the wrestlers who complain about star ratings actually do get ***** from Meltzer they all of a sudden do a 180 and become grateful for it.

MYSTERY WRESTLING “MYSTERY WRESTLING 3”, 08/09/2023
Centre Aydelu, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

1. Emi Sakura defeated Maki Itoh with La Magistral Cradle (?:??).

This year over in Canada Evil Uno has been running a Mystery Wrestling show on his Twitch channel every couple of months. The surprise headline match for the most recent event was a first time singles bout between Itoh and Emi Sakura. Itoh played a trick to escape from Sakura’s attacks by beginning to cry and then walking out of the match back to the locker room. She then reappeared from the opposite side of the room to attack a confused Sakura from behind. Sakura’s not someone you can beat with just one trick though. She ended up rolling Itoh into La Magistral Cradle to win the match.

GCW “CRUSHED UP”, 10/09/2023
Roulette Intermedium, New York City, New York, USA

1. Maki Itoh defeated Killer Kelly with a Tornado DDT (10:43).

Itoh’s current run with GCW ended here with a match against Killer Kelly. She’ll be back again later this year but what will be in store for her next? Her feud with Matt Cardona & Steph De Lander can be never ending but there has to be other stuff she wants to do in GCW next. Maybe she already found a new arch nemesis as you will see at the bottom of this post.

WXW “INNER CIRCLE”, 21/09/2023
wXw Wrestling Academy, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

1. Mizuki Watase defeated Danny Fray with a Diving Foot Stomp (7:23).
2. Shigehiro Irie defeated 1 Called Manders with a Roaring Elbow (8:57).

This was already announced earlier in the summer and I completely missed it. Irie & Watase reunited as RENEGADES to enter the annual World Tag Team Festival in Germany! But first the wrestlers took part in separate warmup matches the night before the tournament began. Watase’s first match ever in Germany was a win against Danny Fray. Irie also won his match by beating 1 Called Manders in a hoss fight.

WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2023 – NIGHT 1”, 22/09/2023
Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2023 – Round 1: Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase defeated Aigle Blanc & Senza Volto when Irie pinned Blanc with the Beast Bomber (16:41).

Irie won wXw’s other premium tournament the 16 Carat Gold back in March so he had his heart set on winning WTTF with Watase. They eliminated The Frenchadors in the opening round. Aigle Blanc & Senza Volto are former wXw World Tag Team Champions so RENEGADES could not have gotten off to a better start.

GCW “LONG. LIVE. GCW”, 22/09/2023
Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen, Germany

1. Shigehiro Irie defeated Arez with the Beast Bomber (9:20).

The WTTF weekend also featured shows promoted by GCW as part of their September European tour. Only Irie was on the first of two GCW shows that weekend where he beat the luchador Arez. Normally I wouldn’t include entries for Irie by himself but since he was RENEGADES affiliated for the weekend, I’m adding it here.

FREELANCE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN FREELANCE”, 22/09/2023
Avondale Music Hall, Chicago, Illinois, USA

1. Shoko Nakajima defeated Shazza McKenzie with the Diving Senton (12:19).

Nakajima did a quick trip to the United States near the end of the month. Her first stop was at Freelance where she got over big with the crowd during her win against Shazza McKenzie. Nakajima’s quickness and ability to hit the 619 from any height near the ropes were the key to victory here.

WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2023 – NIGHT 2”, 23/09/2023
Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen, Germany

1. World Tag Team Festival 2023 – Round 2: Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase defeated Takuya Nomura & Fuminori Abe when Irie pinned Abe with a Roaring Elbow (16:14).

RENEGADES weren’t the only Japanese team taking part in WTTF weekend. Takuya Nomura & Fuminori Abe from Astronauts were there too! The two team crossed paths in Night 2 where the winners would advance to Sunday’s final.

GCW “GCW VS THE WORLD”, 23/09/2023
Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen, Germany

1. Scramble Match: Gringo Loco defeated Mizuki Watase, The Rotation, Arez, Jimmy Lloyd and Aigle Blanc when Loco pinned Blanc with the Base Bomb (11:46).
2. Joey Janela defeated Shigehiro Irie with the Diving Foot Stomp (17:19).

Irie was in GCW again for their other show in Germany, losing to Joey Janela in the main event. Watase also showed up by taking part in one of GCW’s staples, the Scramble Match. Watase hit a big dive and also the Coast To Coast Dropkick but otherwise got lost in the action and did not factor into the finish.

WXW “WORLD TAG TEAM FESTIVAL 2023 – NIGHT 3”, 24/09/2023
Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen, Germany

1. wXw World Tag Team Titles – World Tag Team Festival 2023 Final 3 Way Match: Hektor Invictus & Dennis Dullnig defeated Robert Dreissker & Laurance Roman (c) and Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase (23:13).
*Amboss fails in V1. Hektor Invictus & Dennis Dullnig become the 64th wXw World Tag Team Champions!

RENEGADES made it all the way to the final. Had Irie & Watase won the match and the tournament they would have become the new wXw Tag Champions. Sadly for them they couldn’t pull it off. Instead Hektor Invictus & Dennis Dullnig were the winners, taking the titles away from the defending champions Amboss.

PRESTIGE “THE RESPECT ISSUE”, 24/09/2023
Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA

1. Trish Adora defeated Shoko Nakajima with the Lariat Tubman (9:51).

Nakajima’s other US booking this month was with Prestige at the Globe Theatre, the same location TJPW will return to this December. Trish Adora was a tougher opponent for her and kicked out of the Northern Lights Suplex. Just when Nakajima thought he had another shot, she was caught off guard and pinned with the Lariat Tubman.

JFC “JINGWU TAN JFC EXOTIC FIGHTING EXHIBITION 2”, 30/09/2023
Rucker Park, Chaoyang, Shanghai, China

1. Tokyo Joshi Pro Offer Match: Maki Itoh defeated Yuki Aino with the Itoh Deluxe (?:??).
2. Tokyo Joshi Pro Offer Match: Mizuki defeated Nao Kakuta with the Cutie Special (?:??).

TJPW sent four of their wrestlers over to China for a martial arts expo taking place in Shanghai. They would be presenting two women’s pro wrestling matches to go along with a bunch of other martial art bouts provided by other groups. It is not the first time joshi wrestling has been part of the event. The same organizers had Sareee and Nanae Takahashi wrestle for them during the first expo in the summer. After a lot of searching through Chinese social media I was able to find a clip of Mizuki beating Nao Kakuta and Itoh locking in the Itoh Deluxe on Yuki Aino.

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Upcoming Appearances

AEW “WRESTLEDREAM”, 01/10/2023
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington, USA

1. Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi Vs Sammy Guevara, Will Ospreay & Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis)

Takeshita has spent the rest of the month either standing to the side Don Callis or wrestling back in Japan for DDT. Oh and he also invaded Kota Ibushi’s gym, attacking him with a kettlebell (and also getting Yumehito Imanari caught in the crossfire) because Callis understands how much Ibushi means to Omega. The big payoff it is leading to will happen later today when The Golden Lovers & Chris Jericho join forces to get revenge on The Don Callis Family. Takeshita is part of that family teaming with Sammy Guevara (newest member) and Will Ospreay (not a member). It is annoying to see what looked like a big push for Takeshita turn into him getting pushed aside so Jericho, Guevara and Ospreay can all squeeze into the spotlight instead.

WARRIOR “WARRIOR WRESTLING 31”, 06/10/2023
Bendix Arena, South Bend, Indiana, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita Vs Storm Grayson (w/ Frank The Clown)

One of the few American indies Takeshita wrestles for when he’s not busy with AEW is Warrior Wrestling. The next time he shows up there he takes on one of Frank The Clown’s clients, Storm Grayson.

SPARK “RISING HEAT WEST”, 11/10/2023
LA Dojo, Carson, California, USA

1. Spark Joshi World Title: Miyu Yamashita (c) Vs Billie Starkz

A familiar opponent challenges Yamashita for the Spark Joshi Title. She has a 1-1 singles record against Billi Starkz so this championship bout can also end up becoming a rubber match between the two.

SPARK “RISING HEAT EAST”, 14/10/2023
Engelwood Neighborhood Center, Orlando, Florida, USA

1. Miu Watanabe Vs KiLynn King
2. Miyu Yamashita Vs Jessie

A few days later Yamashita takes on Jessie, the former Jessi Kamea from NXT. That’s an interesting matchup because since leaving WWE, Jessie wound up doing a tour in Stardom. So we have a TJPW Vs Stardom match on a Spark show.

But Yamashita won’t be the only Tokyo Joshi there. Miu Watanabe is along for the ride too! She is getting to fight KiLynn King from Impact in what is sure to be a hoss fight. Or a hossette fight? Whatever, two strong women are going to fight each other. What more do you want?

LLL “THE HANDS OF FATE”, 20/10/2023
The Oriental Theater, Denver, Colorado, USA

1. Lilith Grimm Vs Miyu Yamashita

Are there Lucha Libra & Laughs to be found when Yamashita pays another visit to Denver? Her opponent Lilith Grimm is nicknamed “The War Hammer” and does an entrance where she sets off sparks with a grinder.

SETUP “SETUP EP.16”, 28/10/2023
The Circus Studio, G Village, Bangkok, Thailand

1. Gatoh Move One And Only Title & SETUP Thailand Openweight Title: Paksa (G/c) Vs Masahiro Takanashi (S/c)
2. Dramatic Dream Match: Chris Brookes Vs Monomoth

Whenever CDK goes over to Thailand and shows up in SETUP they tend to take over the place. One of the local faces Monomoth tries his best to defend his home but Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi find ways to get the better of him. Monomoth now gets to fight Brookes in a big singles match the next time Brookes heads over.

Meanwhile Takanashi has been ruling the roost in SETUP as the SETUP Openweight Champion. He can increase his domination when he has a double title match against Paksa. Takanashi puts his SETUP Title on the line while Paksa is defending a Gatoh Move branded championship called the One And Only Title.

REPUBLIC OF LUCHA “ROL VI VI VI: LA NOCHE DE WALPURGIS”, 30/10/2023
Republic Of Lucha, South Pasadena, California, USA

1. Konosuke Takeshita, Penta el Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix Vs Shun Skywalker, Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that nobody in The Lucha Brothers gets injured, company politics do not keep Takeshita and Shun Skywalker away from each other and Vampiro does not show up with La Rebelion.

DAIKAIJU PRO “VOL. 1 – THE KAPPAS WALK AMONG US”, 04/11/2023
White Eagle, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

1. Shoko Nakajima Vs X

Something new and monstrous is coming out of Massachusetts. Daikaiju Pro is holding their debut show and seems to have deep ties with SETUP and also the UMA Corps. The new promotion is promising a mixture of talent coming in to mix around with monsters and other strange creatures. A show like these requires a Big Kaiju so Nakajima will be there.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO/PRESTIGE “COMBAT PRINCESS USA”, 14/12/2023
Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA

Miu Watanabe has been added to the lineup.

PANDEMONIUM PRO “HOLIDAY IN LA”, 17/12/2023
Don Quixote, Los Angeles, California, USA

1. Mike Bailey Vs Miyu Yamashita

Yeah this do quite nicely. Pandemonium Pro is doing Yamashita against Mike Bailey in a first time ever matchup.

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Other Appearances

GCW “SAY YOU WILL”, 01/09/2023
Grand Sports Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA

Itoh did not wrestle on the first GCW show of the month. Instead she showed up to attack Frank The Clown with a pizza cutter much to everyone’s delight.

Hartley Faces RENEGADES, Dieno’s Selfish Matches, Rookie Munetatsu, New Year’s Eve Participants

“MASAHIRO TAKANASHI INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE – BOKUTACHI 4 HANJUKU 4 I LOVE YOU! 2022”, 22/11/2022
Shinjuku FACE

0. Dark Match: Shinsetsu Gomu Ningen & Gota Ihashi (w/ Miyako Haru) Vs SAKI & Yasu Urano (w/ KUDO)
1. Chris Brookes, Mizuki Watase & Antonio Honda Vs Keisuke Ishii, Shigehiro Irie & Soma Takao
2. Mei Suruga Vs MAO
3. Mixed Gauntlet Tag Match: Ram Kaichow & Yuko Miyamoto Vs Saki Akai & Brahman Kei (w/ Brahman Shu) Vs Mochi Natsumi & Hoshitango Vs Cherry & Gorgeous Matsuno Vs Chie Koishikawa & Shin Suzuki Vs Choun-Shiryu & Lee Yoneyama Vs Isami Kodaka & Emi Sakura W
4. Daisuke Sekimoto Vs Masahiro Takanashi

Drew Parker had to pull out of tomorrow’s show due to an arm injury. Mizuki Watase is his replacement.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “ALL RISE ’22”, 27/11/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Shoko Nakajima, Hyper Misao & Kaya Toribami Vs Pom Harajuku, Haruna Neko & Mahiro Kiryu
2. Suzume Vs Yoshiko Hasegawa
3. Mizuki Vs Arisu Endo
4. Maki Itoh & Hikari Noa Vs Yuki Kamifuku & Nao Kakuta
5. Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe Vs Moka Miyamoto & Juria Nagano
6. EVE Title: Miyu Yamashita (c) Vs Millie McKenzie
7. Princess Tag Team Titles: Saki Akai & Yuki Arai (c) Vs Yuki Aino & Raku
8. Princess Of Princess Title: Yuka Sakazaki (c) Vs Billie Starkz

The undercard has now been filled out. Daydream are back together for a match against the Karate Tag of Moka Miyamoto & Juria Nagano. Also Yoshiko Hasegawa from Ganbare☆Pro returns for another appearance in Tokyo Joshi Pro. This time she’s getting a singles match against Suzume.

GANBARE☆PRO “TOKIMEKI NISHISU 2022”, 03/12/2022
Yokohama Radiant Hall

1. GanPro Vs P.P.P: Yumehito Imanari & Yuna Manase Vs Kentaro Hachisu & Echika Miyabi
2. Tokimeki Nishisu 2022 Special Tag Match: Hartley Jackson & Seiya Morohashi Vs Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase

This is one last chance for Watase to prove he will be some kind of threat against Hartley Jackson. The Spirit Of Ganbare Champion suddenly turned sour on the idea he could be welcomed into the Ganpro family because of Watase’s recent weak efforts against him. So this time Watase is calling in his buddy Shigehiro Irie to provide back up against the champ and Seiya Morohashi. The power of RENEGADES may be just what Watase needs.

Yuna Manase and Echika Miyabi are in another match together after the two enjoyed their first rendezvous. This time the match is attracting other members of Ganpro and P.P.P Tokyo because Yumehito Imanari and Kentaro Hachisu are getting involved too.

DDT “D-OU GRAND PRIX 2022 THE FINAL”, 04/12/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. DDT Extreme Title: Joey Janela (c) Vs Jun Akiyama
2. D-Ou Grand Prix 2022 – Final: Yuki Ueno Vs Yukio Naya

The D-Ou Grand Prix final is between Yuki Ueno and Yukio Naya. Ueno lost in last year’s final and is determined not to repeat that result. Naya has already called his shot after he wins the tournament to challenge Kazusada Higuchi for the KO-D Openweight Title in Tokyo Dome City Hall at the end of the year.

Why does Eddie Kingston get to have all the fun? Joey Janela wants to fight Jun Akiyama too and is willing to put the DDT Extreme Title on the line for it to happen.

DDT “DANSHOKU DIENO 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK PUBLICATION COMMEMORATION”, 21/12/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Selfishly For The 2nd Time In 20 Years, A Single Match That Danshoku Dieno Just Wants To See: Yuki “Sexy” Iino Vs Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari
2. Selfishly For The 1st Time In 20 Years, Danshoku Dieno’s Self-Satisfaction Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Muscle Sakai

A book launch to celebrate 20 years in the business is a good enough reason to give Danshoku Dieno some match making powers for the event. He is happily being selfish with the power by booking himself against his old friend Muscle Sakai. He also wants to see what Yuki Iino versus Yumehito Imanari would be like.

GANBARE☆PRO “GIRI GIRI CHOP! 2022”, 27/12/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Munetatsu Nakamura Debut Match: Munetatsu Nakamura Vs X
2. Kouki Iwasaki Ganbare☆Pro Wrestling Last Match: Keisuke Ishii Vs Kouki Iwasaki
3. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Hartley Jackson (c) Vs Mizuki Watase

The new rookie Munetatsu Nakamura is a 21 year old college student from Chiba. He is 168cm tall, weighs 65kg and his athletic experience is with wrestling and Judo. Nakamura originally trained for the DDTeeeen!! project but never wrestled a match (unless he was Ilusion all along but I have no evidence to back that up). Instead he switched his training over to Ganpro earlier this year and will make his pro debut with them.

DDT “NEVER MIND 2022”, 29/12/2022
Tokyo Dome City Hall

1. Pheromones Vs “Miyako & Ward” Pheromones Subjugation Allied Forces: Yuki “Sexy” Iino, Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari & Koju “Shining Ball” Takeda Vs Akito, Osamu Nishimura, Shinichiro Kawamatsu & Shunma Katsumata
2. Special Tag Match: Saki Akai & Yuki Arai Vs Saori Anou & Riko Kawahata
3. KO-D Openweight Title: Kazusada Higuchi (c) Vs X

The KO-D Title shot at the end of the year is not the automatic prize for the D-Ou winner but it’s clear Ueno or Naya is going to get it.

Akito needs some powerful and influential people to help him keep Pheromones under control or else DDT is at risk of being banned from Korakuen Hall and probably all the other venues within Tokyo Dome City. Who could be more powerful and influential than politcians? Osamu Nishimura & Shinichiro Kawamatsu are here to help. Shunma Katsumata is also getting dragged into the fight.

It’s already been announced but here’s a reminder that Konosuke Takeshita and Cara Noir will be on the show. Takeshita is still part of the DDT roster along with his new affiliation with AEW.

“NEW YEAR’S EVE PRO WRESTLING 2022 ~TOSHIWASURE! SHUFFLE 6-MAN TAG TOURNAMENT~”, 31/12/2022
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

DDT: Kazusada Higuchi, HARASHIMA, Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Ueno, Chris Brookes, MAO, Yukio Naya & Takeshi Masada

BJW: Hideyoshi Kamitani, Takuya Nomura, Kota Sekifuda, Yasufumi Nakanoue, Daisuke Sekimoto, Daichi Hashimoto, Yuya Aoki & Yuki Ishikawa

Year End Dream Slot: Masato Tanaka, Yuko Miyamoto, Isami Kodaka, Masashi Takeda, MUSASHI, Yuma Aoyagi, Brahman Kei (w/ Brahman Shu) & Kikutaro

The lineup for the annual New Year’s Eve trios tournament has been revealed. There will be eight teams involved each containing one DDT wrestler, one Big Japan wrestler and one “Dream” wrestler. The teams will be chosen on 24th November. There will be two non-tournament matches happening on the New Year’s Eve show as well.

GANBARE☆PRO “TROPIC THUNDER 2022” Results

GANBARE☆PRO “TROPIC THUNDER 2022”, 10/01/2022
Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall
108 Fans

1. Ganpro New Year Battle 2022 2nd Round: Shuichiro Katsumura, Tyson Maeguchi & Moeka Haruhi defeated Shota, Nobuhiro Shimatani & HARUKAZE when Katsumura submitted Shota with a Triangle Choke (10:50).
2. Hatsuyume Special Tag Match 2nd Round: SAKI & Hikari Shimizu defeated Yuna Manase & Rina Amikura when SAKI pinned Amikura with the Choroild (10:50).
3. New Year Special Single Match 2nd Round: Soma Takao defeated Shinichiro Tominaga with a Cradle (11:19).
4. Ganpro Vs Takaiwa Army Full Scale Battle 2nd Round: Keisuke Ishii & Kouki Iwasaki defeated 5th Black Tiger & Kenya Maeda when Iwasaki pinned Maeda with the Back Drop Hold (9:55).
5. RENEGADES Are Back! New Year Special Tag Team Match: Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase defeated Yumehito Imanari & Baliyan Akki when Watase pinned Akki after the Made In Ohio (12:56).
6. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Tatsuhito Takaiwa (c) defeated Ken Ohka with the Avalanche Death Valley Bomb (14:58).
*V1 for Tatsuhito Takaiwa.

The second of this month’s Ganbare☆Pro tripleheaders began with the inaugural Spirit Of Ganbare Title defence. Tatsuhito Takaiwa’s first challenger was none other than the face of Ganpro, Ken Ohka. The challenger’s never say die attitude drove Takaiwa into doing multiple Death Valley Bombs but Ohka kept kicking out. Ohka was finally defeated when he was given the Death Valley Bomb from the top rope. Takaiwa told him he could challenge for the belt again anytime. He’ll be waiting for him. But first Takaiwa has another challenger in mind. He called out Kouki Iwasaki and nominated him for the next title shot. Iwasaki couldn’t stay quiet anymore and thanked the champion for giving him the opportunity. They agreed to hold the title match in the main event of Korakuen Hall on 27th February! Shinjiro Otani gave Iwasaki encouragement at the end of the show.

RENEGADES are back and so is Mizuki Watase’s suit! He and Shigehiro Irie didn’t miss a beat teaming together again and wiped out Yumehito Imanari & Baliyan Akki in their return match. Irie & Watase even brought back their Double Stomp/Fire Thunder combo called Made In Ohio to win the match.

Shinichiro Tominaga asked Soma Takao & Shota if he could join ROMANCE DAWN but he was turned down. He spent the rest of the match begging them to join but they explained to him he didn’t meet the age limit (ROMANCE DAWN are both 34, Tominaga is 33).

The opening match saw Shuichiro Katsumura & Moeka Haruhi bring back THE HALFEE entrance with Tyson Maeguchi filling in as the third member. He had trouble lip-synching to the song.

During the opening announcements Ohka referred to himself, Imanari and Otani as Ganpro’s “Hot Blooded Three Musketeers”.

Suzuki Joins Itoh Respect Army? Prominence Arrives, RENEGADES Revival

DDT “NEVER MIND 2021 IN YOYOGI”, 26/12/2021
Yoyogi National Stadium 2nd Gymnasium

0. Dark Match: Toru Owashi & Yukio Naya Vs Antonio Honda & Hideki Okatani
0. Dark Match: Sanshiro Takagi Vs Maku Donaruto
0. Dark Match – DDTeeeen!! Special Single Match: Ilusion Vs Vent Vert Jack
1. Soma Takao & Shota Vs Akito & Yuki Ishida
2. Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari Vs Shinya Aoki, Yumiko Hotta & Super Sasadango Machine
3. Special Single Match: Shuji Kondo Vs Kazuki Hirata
4. BURNING Vs The 37KAMIINA!: Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku Vs Shunma Katsumata, Yuki Ueno, MAO & Toui Kojima
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match – Yukio Sakaguchi Return Match: Yukio Sakaguchi, Kazusada Higuchi & Saki Akai Vs Minoru Suzuki, Chris Brookes & Maki Itoh
6. KO-D Tag Team Titles: HARASHIMA & Naomi Yoshimura Vs Yuji Hino & Bodyguard
7. DDT Universal Title: Daisuke Sasaki (c) Vs Masahiro Takanashi
8. KO-D Openweight Title: Konosuke Takeshita (c) Vs Yuji Okabayashi

Earlier today Chris Brookes & Maki Itoh went to visit Minoru Suzuki at his clothing store Piledriver in Harajuku. Their intention was to initiate Suzuki as the newest member of The Itoh Respect Army before their match against Eruption. Despite Suzuki’s intimidating presence, the two introduced themselves to him and explained what was going on. Suzuki told them if they spent 10,000 yen in his shop then he would become friends with them. He gave advice to Itoh, telling her not to compare herself to others. He also said he will target Yukio Sakaguchi because he has known him since junior high. Brookes volunteered to fight Saki Akai because they are both tall and slim wrestlers who have good chemistry together in the ring. That leaves Itoh to deal with Kazusada Higuchi. Brookes told Itoh they both have iron heads so it will be an even fight. Itoh welcomed Suzuki into the Itoh Respect Army after making Brookes pay for their items. However Suzuki denies joining the unit because he is still Suzuki-gun.

GAKE NO FUCHI JOSHI PRO “CLOCKWORK GAKE NO FUCHI 2022 ~GAKE NO FUCHI VS PROMINENCE~”, 04/01/2021
Shinjuku FACE

1. Hardcore Match: Chris Brookes Vs Suzu Suzuki

Two years ago Gake No Fuchi Joshi held an unforgettable Ittenyon show where Brookes and Miyako Matsumoto had a nightmare of a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Matsumoto urgently decided to hold a show on 4th January again but this time it’s to welcome one of the newest joshi units onto the scene. A few weeks ago several wrestlers from Ice Ribbon announced their intentions to go leave the company and become a freelance death match unit called Prominence. One of the key members of this new unit is Suzu Suzuki who was built up by Ice Ribbon to be their young prodigy with a love for death match wrestling. A Hardcore Match against Brookes is exactly what she is looking for after taking her career in a new direction.

The other members of Prominence will also be on the show for other matches. The members are Risa Sera, Mochi Miyagi and Akane Fujita. Gake No Fuchi in the past hasn’t held more than two matches in a single show so I expect it to be a tag match with Matsumoto also involved. As you will see below the Prominence wrestlers have no problem with wrestling each other.

DDT “DDTEEEEN!!”, 05/01/2022
Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall

1. Raimu Imai & Toui Kojima Vs Yuya Koroku & Yuki Ishida
2. Daichi Sato Vs Yuki Ueno
3. Hardcore Match: Suzu Suzuki & Hideki Okatani Vs Akane Fujita & Shunma Katsumata
4. Ilusion & Tetsuya Endo Vs Vent Vert Jack & Naomi Yoshimura
5. El Unicorn Vs You-sei☆Estrella

The main event between El Unicorn and You-sei☆Estrella promises to be a high flying battle.

If there is any unsettled business between Ilusion and Vent Vert Jack from Yoyogi then Tetsuya Endo and Naomi Yoshimura will help clear things up between them.

Prominence is also showing up on the next DDTeeeen!! show with Suzuki and Fujita taking part in a Hardcore Match. Suzuki will team with Hideki Okatani who recently took part in his first Hardcore Match thanks to Shunma Katsumata. Only makes sense for Katsumata to drag him into another here.

The other teenage wrestlers Daichi Sato and Raimu Imai are back for more.

GANBARE☆PRO “MOEKA HARUHI PRODUCE ~PARADISE AFTER THE RAIN 2022~”, 08/01/2022
Kitazawa Town Hall

1. Rain And Bumblebees: Shuichiro Katsumura Vs Thanomusaku Toba Vs Fuminori Abe
2. Rain And Then Downpour: Ken Ohka & Miyako Matsumoto Vs Nobuhiro Shimatani & HARUKAZE
3. After The Rain, Gokigen: Kaori Yoneyama Vs YuuRI
4. I Like The Rain: Moeka Haruhi, Makoto & Cherry Vs Yuna Manase, Rina Yamashita & Tsubasa Kuragaki

The final match added to Moeka Haruhi’s produce show is a heavy striking 3 Way between Shuichiro Katsumura, Tanomusaku Toba and Fuminori Abe.

GANBARE☆PRO “TROPIC THUNDER 2022”, 10/01/2022
Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall

1. Hatsuyume Special Tag Match 2nd Round: Yuna Manase & YuuRI Vs SAKI & Hikari Shimizu
2. RENEGADES Are Back! New Year Special Tag Team Match: Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase Vs Yumehito Imanari & Baliyan Akki
3. Ganpro New Year Battle 2022 2nd Round: Shuichiro Katsumura, Taison Maeguchi & Moeka Haruhi Vs Shota, Nobuhiro Shimatani & HARUKAZE
4. New Year Special Single Match 2nd Round: Soma Takao Vs Shinichiro Tominaga
5. Ganpro Vs Takaiwa Army Full Scale Battle 2nd Round: Keisuke Ishii & Kouki Iwasaki Vs 5th Black Tiger & Kenya Maeda
6. Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Title: Tatsuhito Takaiwa (c) Vs Ken Ohka

Now that Mizuki Watase has gotten his feet wet in Ganbare☆Pro he is getting straight to business. He is reviving RENEGADES with Shigehiro Irie! The tag team was originally a unit led by Irie during his 2018 main event run in DDT. However most of the unit was made up of foreign wrestlers so for now RENEGADES is coming back as just a tag team. Watase said he will DM the other members and ask them to come back once the pandemic is over. There is one question I have to ask. Does this mean Watase will wrestle in a suit again?

The Ganbare☆Joshi division is open to work with Color’s and that relationship continues here. Yuna Manase is looking for more joshi to appear on GanJo shows. YuuRI also just learned a harsh lesson being in the ring with SAKI.

GANBARE☆JOSHI “PROTECT YOU AND LOVE YOU 2021” Results

GANBARE☆JOSHI “PROTECT YOU AND LOVE YOU 2021”, 19/12/2021
Shin-Kiba 1st RING
168 Fans – No Vacancy

1. Ganjo Three Special Singles Match – YuuRI “Glamorous Valkyrie” Trial Single Match Round 3: SAKI defeated YuuRi with a Power Slam (12:34).
2. Actwres girl’Z Offer Match: Miku Aono & Aoi Natsu defeated Hikari Shimizu & Rina Amikura when Aono pinned Amikura with the Double Arm Suplex (11:52).
3. Ganjo Three Special Singles Match: Moeka Haruhi defeated HARUKAZE with the 79.5MHz (12:00)
4. Secret Captain’s Fall Elimination 6-Man Tag Match: Ken Ohka, Keisuke Ishii & Mizuki Watase (C) defeated Shota (C), Soma Takao & Shinichiro Tominaga (16:46).
4a. Shota (C) eliminated Ken Ohka by Ring Out (6:48).
4b. Shota (C) eliminated Keisuke Ishii by Ring Out (8:55).
4c. Mizuki Watase (C) eliminated Soma Takao by Ring Out (15:00).
4d. Mizuki Watase (C) eliminated Shota (C) with a Cradle Cutback (16:46).
5. Ganjo Three Special Singles Match: Yuna Manase defeated Yuu Yamagata with the Suzuki Dynamic (12:41).

All year long Yuna Manase has been searching for a win against Yuu Yamagata. It has been the one story that had been built around Ganbare☆Joshi since its reboot. Today was the day it finally happened! Lariats and hitting the Suzuki Dynamic twice were what Manase needed to do to win. Afterwards a defeated Yamagata declared she was withdrawing from Ganjo. She finally lost like Manase wanted and saw no reason to sick around. But Manase stopped her and said Yamagata was the one main eventing Ganjo all year. She is Ganjo more than anyone else! Manase welcomed Yamagata to stay and the two sang “Tonbo” together. Backstage Manase told reporters that her goal this year was not to leave a mark but to produce results. She achieved her goal of beating Yamagata and proved that if you never give up, your dreams can come true. Manase also asks if there is anybody out there looking to join Ganpro to send her a DM. She knows the joshi scene is undergoing tremendous upheaval right now and Ganjo is looking to find new friends.

There were some arguments over the Secret Captain’s Fall Elimination rules before that match began. The two teams chose their captains by writing them on pieces of paper and handing them over to the ring announcer. Shota said that while it is a thrilling rule it is also unfair and he would prefer if everyone knew who the captains were before the match starts. Ken Ohka shrugged away the complaints which led to Shota thinking he was the captain. He was proven wrong when Ohka was eliminated first and the ring announcer revealed he was not the captain. Keisuke Ishii and he wasn’t the captain either which meant Mizuki Watase was meant to be the target all along. Watase pulled off a come from behind victory by eliminating Soma Takao and then pinning Shota, who was the captain for his team all along.

Watase celebrated the victory by declaring he is now part of Ganbare☆Pro and won his first match with the promotion. He then announced that on the 10th January tripleheader he wants to revive RENEGADES with Shigehiro Irie and main event one of the shows. Ohka said it isn’t up to Irie to make that decision. They’re in Ganpro so it is Ohka who decides and he approves of a RENEGADES revival! Watase later revealed he will DM the other members Sammy Guevara and Jason Kincaid to come over when the pandemic ends.

Moeka Haruhi had a lot of fun wrestling HARUKAZE because it was a long time since their last singles match together. However Haruhi is concerned over the path HARUKAZE took over the last few months to get stronger. It must be hard for her but Haruhi felt her persistence in the ring and never saw her as being weak. She is clumsy but does her best and lives life to the fullest. A tearful HARUKAZE said she was the very first person to join the Ganjo division but once others joined was instantly the weakest member among them. She tried not to show her depression but Haruhi was always there for her and she is grateful for it. From now on she is going to stop calling herself weak. The two promised to continue working hard for Ganjo, hugged and then bowed to each other.

Today’s show gets to play a little part in the wider story of Actwres girl’Z going away and Color’s coming out of it. Hikari Shimizu & Rina Amikura both did the “We are Color’s” pose during their tag match. Miku Aono & Aoi Natsu got the better of them in the end and won the match.

YuuRI is now zero for three in her trial series after losing to the Color’s leader SAKI. Ohka gave YuuRI advice after the match, telling her never to forget the regret she feels for losing. He then told her the 4th match in her trial is against Hong Kong International Police Man. YuuRI doesn’t know who that is but promised to win against him. SAKI was more a little more harsh with her advice for YuuRI. She said YuuRI should not be making excuses in order to work hard and she also should not give herself the excuse that all she needs to do is work hard.

Takagi Hurt, Hotta’s AJW-ism, UWA Trios Titles Vacated, Endo Vs Nira II

DDT “GET ALIVE 2021”, 12/10/2021
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

0. Dark Match: Masahiro Takanashi, Antonio Honda & Baliyan Akki Vs Gota Ihashi, Yukio Naya & Yuya Koroku
0. Dark Match: Yoshihiko Vs Kazuki Hirata
0. Dark Match: Saki Akai Vs Riko Kawahata
1. Yuki Ishida Debut Match: Kazusada Higuchi Vs Yuki Ishida
2. KO-D 8-Man Tag Team Titles: Yoshiaki Yatsu, Akito, Hiroshi Yamato & Keigo Nakamura (c) Vs Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada, Mizuki Watase & Hideki Okatani
3. DDT Extreme Title – Normal Pro Wrestling Rules: Shinya Aoki (c) Vs Yumiko Hotta
4. Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari Vs Toru Owashi & Soma Takao (w/ Sanshiro Takagi)
5. Road To D-Ou Grand Prix 6-Man Tag Match: Tetsuya Endo, Kazusada Higuchi & Chris Brookes Vs Yuji Hino, Yuki Ueno & MAO
6. DDT Universal Title: Daisuke Sasaki (c) Vs Isami Kodaka
7. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Konosuke Takeshita & Shunma Katsumata (c) Vs HARASHIMA & Naomi Yoshimura

Sanshiro Takagi had a fall at his home and broke some cartilage in his rib from landing on a kettlebell. He also hit his head off a dumbbell but that didn’t seem to do anything. It will take him two weeks to recover so he cannot wrestle on tomorrow’s show. He will still be in the corner for Toru Owashi & Soma Takao as they take on Pheromones two against three. Takagi advised Takao to bring back the steel basin he used to hit his opponents with.

Shinya Aoki and Yumiko Hotta agreed to have a regular pro wrestling match for the DDT Extreme Title bout. Hotta doesn’t care what the stipulation is, she will use AJW-ism to win not matter what. Last time Hotta was in the ring with Aoki, she pinned him with the Pyramid Driver. She would like to win this move with a big pro wrestling move like that but is wary of Aoki using his MMA style to avoid a repeat result.

Hotta’s protégé Riko Kawahata wants to have a match with Saki Akai that is unique to themselves. She doesn’t feel the pressure and looks forward to the day Hotta passes the baton down to her.

DDT “DRAMATIC DREAM TOUR 2021 IN FUJI”, 23/10/2021
Shizuoka Fuji-san Messe

1. Soma Takao & Naomi Yoshimura Vs Yuya Koroku & Yuki Ishida
2. 3 Way Match: Toru Owashi Vs Antonio Honda Vs Akito
3. Daisuke Sasaki & MAO Vs HARASHIMA & Keigo Nakamura
4. Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno & Yuki “Sexy” Iino Vs Yuji Hino & Kazuki Hirata
5. Tetsuya Endo & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Chris Brookes & Yukio Naya
6. The 37KAMIINA Vs Junretsu!: Konosuke Takeshita, Shunma Katsumata & Yuki Ueno Vs Jun Akiyama, Yusuke Okada & Hideki Okatani

After a longtime rivalry, how will Tetsuya Endo & Kazusada Higuchi get along as a team?

Makoto Oishi is the special ring announcer for the show.

BASARA “BASARA 173 ~FUDO FUKUTSU~”, 24/10/2021
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. UWA World 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Isami Kodaka, Daiki Shimomura & Yuko Miyamoto Vs Toru Owashi, Shuji Kondo & Takuya Sugawara
2. IRON FIST Tag Titles: Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura (c) Vs Tsutomu Oosugi & Banana Senga
3. Union MAX Title: Takumi Tsukamoto (c) Vs Ryota Nakatsu

Unfortunately Minoru Fujita is still recovering from Covid in the hospital so he will not be fit to wrestle for BASARA later this month. Since the UWA World 6-Man Tag Team Titles has been cancelled or postponed so many times, Sento Minzoku decided to vacate the titles. There will still be a match against Toru Owashi and his team of Toryumon associates and it will be for the vacated titles. Replacing Fujita for the match is Yuko Miyamoto. BASARA also sent a message to Fujita telling him not to rush through his recovery. They will be there for him no matter how long it takes for him to come back.

GANBARE☆PRO “GANBARE☆JOSHI PRO WRESTLING ~ITOSHISATO KOKORONOKABE 2021~”, 24/10/2021
Shin-Kiba 1st RING

1. Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling Offer Match: Yuna Mizumori Vs Sayaka
2. Special Tag Match: Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase Vs Masayuki Mitomi & Jun Tonsho
3. Ganjo Special Mixed Tag Match: Ken Ohka & Miyako Matsumoto Vs Keisuke Ishii & Ann Cham
4. YuuRI “Glamorous Valkyrie” Trial Single Match Round 1: YuuRI Vs Asuka
5. Secret Captain’s Fall Elimination 6-Woman Tag Match: Yuna Manase, Moeka Haruhi & Cherry Vs Yuu Yamagata, Makoto & HARUKAZE

The RENEGADES reunion between Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase is being put against a team representing P.P.P.TOKYO. That’s the promotion ran by Masayuki Mitomi. His tag partner Jun Tonsho is a freelancer previously from WRESTLE-1.

Ann Cham is from Shinsyu Girls Pro Wrestling.

DDT “DRAMATIC DREAM TOUR 2021 IN CHIBA”, 30/10/2021
Chiba 2AW Square

1. Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, Yuki “Sexy” Iino & Yumehito “Fantastic” Imanari Vs Toru Owashi, Antonio Honda & Saki Akai
2. Chiba Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match: Konosuke Takeshita, Shunma Katsumata & MAO Vs Yuji Hino, Kazusada Higuchi & Hiroshi Yamato
3. Special Single Match: Tetsuya Endo Vs DJ Nira

For the first time in almost nine years Endo and DJ Nira face off one on one! They had one previous singles match way back in December 2012. It was a dark match and Endo won in 5 seconds. Can Nira last longer this time?

TV SHOW Finale, Akiyama-gun, Saki Vs Meiko, Aino Aims For The Top

First things first, I hope Joey Ryan never appears in a DDT ring or any other for that matter ever again. I regret ever supporting him after reading all of the allegations from the last few days.

DDT “DDT TV SHOW! #8”, 27/06/2020
Shinjuku FACE

1. Soma Takao & Mad Paulie Vs Mizuki Watase & Keigo Nakamura
2. Danshoku Dieno & Akito Vs Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata
3. Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai Vs Antonio Honda, Hiroshi Yamato & Yukio Naya
4. The Evil Wrestler Seigo Tachibana’s Road To The Top: HARASHIMA Vs Seigo Tachibana
5. Akiyama-gun Vs ALL OUT!: Jun Akiyama, Makoto Oishi & Hideki Okatani Vs Konosuke Takeshita, Shunma Katsumata & Yuki Iino
6. DDT UNIVERSAL Title: Daisuke Sasaki (c) Vs Chris Brookes
7. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Yuki Ueno & Naomi Yoshimura (c) Vs Tetsuya Endo & Nobuhiro Shimatani

This looks to be the finale of DDT TV SHOW now that a more regular schedule is coming back. Tetsuya Endo & Nobuhiro Shimatani have been getting the better of Nautilus whether it is by Endo winning matches against them or Shimatani attacking Yuki Ueno. Both Ueno & Naomi Yoshimura agree that the worst thing that could happen to them is if they lose the KO-D Tag Team Titles to Shimatani. Endo is understandable, but Shimatani? No way!

The fighting between Daisuke Sasaki and Chris Brookes is getting more wild but their DDT UNIVERSAL Title match is under regular rules. After the last couple of defences were held in stipulation matches, maybe having a calm head is the way to win this one. Or maybe smashing a signboard over the other guy’s head is the better idea. I don’t know, I’m not the wrestler here.

Jun Akiyama has gathered some disciples under his wing for a feud with ALL OUT. It seems that Konosuke Takeshita has figured something out though. Akiyama is teaching the Royal Road style to the DDT roster but it’s not exactly his own personal style, is it? That is what Takeshita wants to experience when they fight. Akiyama-gun was just going to be the coach, Makoto Oishi & Mizuki Watase but the youngster Hideki Okatani found himself a spot after he stepped up for himself against Takeshita.

If Seigo Tachibana wants to be in DDT so bad he can fight one of the best around in HARASHIMA.

MAO is currently recovering from an MCL injury in his left knee. There is no timetable for his return but he is speaking with his doctor over how to treat it.

DDT “DRAMATIC DREAM TSURUMI VOL. 2”, 28/06/2020
Kanagawa Tsurumi Fruit & Vegetable Market

1. Soma Takao Vs Hideki Okatani
2. Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai Vs Toru Owashi, Kazuki Hirata & Tomomitsu Matsunaga
3. Sanshiro Takagi & Yukio Naya Vs Akito & Keigo Nakamura
4. 4 Way Match: Danshoku Dieno Vs Chris Brookes Vs Antonio Honda Vs Yuki Iino
5. DAMNATION Vs DISASTER BOX!: Daisuke Sasaki, Tetsuya Endo & Mad Paulie Vs HARASHIMA, Yuki Ueno & Naomi Yoshimura
6. Akiyama-gun Vs ALL OUT!: Jun Akiyama & Mizuki Watase Vs Konosuke Takeshita & Shunma Katsumata

Watase enters the Akiyama-gun Vs ALL OUT feud here.

DDT “SEE YOU AT DDT 2020”, 03/07/2020
Shinjuku FACE

1. Saki Akai “Okibariyasu” 7 Match Series – Final Match: Meiko Satomura Vs Saki Akai

The finale of Saki Akai’s Okibariyasu trial is a main event match against Meiko Satomura! In fact this is the first time a DDT show has ever had an all women main event. Akai’s record in the trial so far is 3-3 so she gets the toughest challenge possible to end with a winning record.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “STAND PROUD”, 04/07/2020
Tokyo Ryogoku KFC Hall

1. Princess Of Princess Title Challenger Match: Yuki Aino Vs Yuki Kamifuku
2. Princess Tag Team Titles: Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe (c) Vs Maki Itoh & Raku

The progress Yuki Aino has made over the last few months has been something to behold. Back in February she picked up the win in the Main Event Prospect tag match then she reached the final of the Haru Beautiful One Day Tournament. Since then she has been close to the top of the card in the few Tokyo Joshi Pro shows that went ahead over the COVID-19 shutdown. So it’s fair for her to challenge for the Princess Of Princess Title. However, Yuki Kamifuku thinks she should get the next shot instead so we’re getting a No. 1 Contender match.

GANBARE☆WRESTLING “CRAZY DIAMOND 2020”, 12/07/2020
Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall

1. Washi Sakurai Trial Single Match: Washi Sakurai Vs Chikara
2. Special Single Match: Shinichiro Tominaga Vs Asuka
3. Ganjo-gun Vs Pocchajo-gun Total Battle: Ken Ohka, Moeka Haruhi & HARUKAZE Vs Yumehito Imanari, Miss Mongol & Yuna Manase
4. Ganpro Vs RENEGADES: Shota & Kouki Iwasaki Vs Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase
5. Special Tag Match Full Of Indie Jr. Champions: Keisuke Ishii & Shuichiro Katsumura Vs Shiori Asahi & Hagane Shinno

A lot of reunions and past faces appearing for next month’s Ganbare☆Wrestling show. A bunch of Independent World Jr. Heavyweight Champions get together, RENEGADES are showing up for a fight and the two joshi sub-brands Ganbare☆Joshi & Pocchari Joshi are set to clash.

That opening match is… sheesh!

DDT “SUMMER VACATION 2020”, 23/07/2020
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles: Kazusada Higuchi, Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai (c) Vs X, X & X

The newly crowned KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions hold their first defence at Korakuen Hall next month. For now Eruption has to wait until a trio of challengers are chosen for them.

President Sakai, Ganbare Comeback Anytime

DDT “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2020 DAY 1”, 06/06/2020
DDT TV SHOW Studio

1. Soma Takao & Mad Paulie Vs Keigo Nakamura & Hideki Okatani
2. Keisuke Ishii & HARUKAZE Vs Hiroshi Yamato & Saori Anou
3. Yoshihiro Sakai Presidential CEO Inauguration Match In Niigata!: Super Sasadango Machine Vs Pokotan
4. Singles Match Between Wrestlers Who Want To Participate In DDT Regularly: Nobuhiro Shimatani Vs Seigo Tachibana
5. Jun Akiyama & Mizuki Watase Vs Akito & Yuki Iino
6. DDT UNIVERSAL Title – Hardcore 3 Way Match: Daisuke Sasaki (c) Vs Isami Kodaka Vs Shunma Katsumata
7. DDT Vs Kongoh All Out Battle!: Sanshiro Takagi, Kazusada Higuchi & Tomomitsu Matsunaga Vs Kenoh, Masa Kitamiya & Hao
8. TOKYO 2020 LAST MAN STANDING: Yoshihiko Vs Konosuke Takeshita

Yoshihiro Sakai, aka Muscle Sakai and nobody else, was appointed the President and Representative Director of Sakai Seiki Co., Ltd on 1st June. It is a farm equipment manufacturer and also Sakai’s family business. He originally retired from pro wrestling in 2010 to focus on that job and eventually succeed to the top. A decade later and it finally happened. To celebrate, the Super Sasadango Machine Vs Pokotan match will be dedicated to his achievement. I think it is being filmed in Niigata too since it was originally advertised as a Remote Pro Wrestling match.

GANBARE☆WRESTLING “COMEBACK ANYTIME 2020”, 14/06/2020
Tokyo Itabashi Green Hall

1. Shuhei Washida Trial Singles Match: Washi Sakurai Vs Minoru Fujita
2. Master And Disciple Confrontation! Special Mixed Tag Match: Shuichiro Katsumura & Moeka Haruhi Vs Yumehito Imanari & HARUKAZE
3. Special Single Match: Asuka Vs Shota
4. Ganpro Vs RENEGADES Full Face to Face Battle: Shinichiro Tominaga & Kouki Iwasaki Vs Shigehiro Irie & Mizuki Watase
5. Independent World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Keisuke Ishii (c) Vs Ken Ohka

Ganbare☆Wrestling returns tomorrow for a one off empty arena match. After that they are back with fans and are putting together a big card for them. Ken Ohka aims to become a three time Independent World Jr. Heavyweight Champion by facing the currently unstoppable Keisuke Ishii. The home team of Shinichiro Tominaga & Kouki Iwasaki face the reunited RENEGADES. The newest Ganpro regular Asuka takes on one of the longest serving wrestlers here, Shota.

DDT “DDT IS COMING TO AMERICA” Results

DDT “DDT IS COMING TO AMERICA”, 04/04/2019
La Boom, Queens, New York
650 Fans – Super No Vacancy Full House

-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Makoto Oishi defeated Saki Akai (c) with an Inside Cradle (8:07 pm)
*Makoto Oishi becomes the 1,351st champion.
1. Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo defeated Yukio Sakaguchi & Masahiro Takanashi when Endo submitted Takanashi with the Modified Yurikamome Hold (9:27).
2. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Battle Royal: Kazuki Hirata defeated defeated Makoto Oishi (c), Saki Akai, Yoshihiko, Kikutaro, Colt Cabana, Mizuki Watase and Yuu (11:36).
2a. Kikutaro was eliminated by Doctor’s Orders (2:24).
2b. Kazuki Hirata eliminated Colt Cabana by Ring Out (5:32).
2c. Yuu eliminated Mizuki Watase by Ring Out (6:40).
2d. Makoto Oishi (c) eliminated Saki Akai with an Inside Cradle (6:55).
*V1 for Makoto Oishi.
2e. Makoto Oishi (c) eliminated Yuu by Ring Out (6:55).
*V2 for Makoto Oishi.
2f. Yoshihiko eliminated Makoto Oishi (c) with a Single Leg Crab Hold (8:44).
*Yoshihiko becomes the 1,352nd champion.
2g. Kazuki Hirata eliminated Yoshihiko (c) with a Cradle (8:39 pm).
*Kazuki Hirata becomes the 1,353rd champion. Kazuki Hirata wins Yoshihiko’s Right To Challenge Anyime, Anywhere Gauntlet.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Saki Akai defeated Kazuki Hirata (c) with the Quetzalcoatl (8:40 pm).
*Saki Akai becomes the 1,354th champion.
3. 3 Way Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Kazusada Higuchi defeated Akito & Ethan Page and Shigehiro Irie & Jason Kincaid when HARASHIMA pinned Akito with the Somato (8:54).
4. Weapon Rumble In U.S.A.: Sanshiro Takagi defeated MAO with the Sit Down Himawari Bomb onto Plastic Cases (12:26).
5. Miyu Yamashita defeated Maki Itoh with the Crash Rabbit Heat (6:49).
6. Joey Ryan & Royce Isaacs defeated Danshoku Dieno & Antonio Honda when Ryan pinned Honda with the Super Kick (13:19).
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Daisuke Sasaki defeated Konosuke Takeshita (c) with the Sasaki Hurricanrana (19:00).
*Konosuke Takeshita fails in V2. Daisuke Sasaki becomes the 70th KO-D Openweight Champion!
-. KO-D Openweight Title: Tetsuya Endo defeated Daisuke Sasaki (c) with the Shooting Star Press (4:03).
*Daisuke Sasaki fails in V1. Tetsuya Endo cashes in his Right To Challenge Anytime, Anywhere Gauntlet. Tetsuya Endo becomes the 71st KO-D Openweight Champion!
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Makoto Oishi defeated Saki Akai (c) with an Inside Cradle (10:26 pm)
*Makoto Oishi becomes the 1,355th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Kazuki Hirata defeated Makoto Oishi (c) with a School Boy (22:27 pm).
*Kazuki Hirata becomes the 1,356th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Maki Itoh defeated Kazuki Hirata (c) with a Cradle (22:28 pm).
*Maki Itoh becomes the 1,357th champion.
-. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title: Danshoku Dieno defeated Maki Itoh (c) with the Danshoku Driver (22:29 pm).
*Danshoku Dieno becomes the 1,358th champion.

DDT promised an authentic show for their visit to New York this week. They delivered on all ends and then some. In the main event Daisuke Sasaki avenged his defeat to Konosuke Takeshita at Sumo Hall by beating him to win back the KO-D Openweight Title! It went back and forth with Takeshita catching a dive outside the ring and turning it into a Brainbuster. In return Sasaki did a Diving Elbow Drop out of the ring onto Takeshita in the front row. Takeshita almost won with the Fable but Sasaki grabbed Yukinori Matsui to disrupt the flow. Takeshita leap frogged over the ref but Sasaki kicked him in between the legs as he landed. Sasaki hit another low blow and used the Sasaki Hurricanrana to grab the victory.

Sasaki celebrated the title win with Tetsuya Endo and Soma Takao in his company. He said “This is my championship!” But then something happened. Sasaki noticed that Endo was busy playing with his Right To Challenge Gauntlet during his speech so he knocked it out of Endo’s hands. Endo picked it back up and suddenly hit Sasaki with a Lariat. He grabbed the microphone, held up the Gauntlet and said “This is now.” Endo cashed in the Gauntlet to get his title match! Sasaki had some fight left in him but after four minutes, Endo hit the Shooting Star Press and shockingly became the new KO-D Champion! When the dust settled, Endo had something important to tell Sasaki… “Charisma, I’m sorry!” He explained that with so many fans here to see the show and some of them being pretty blonde haired women he couldn’t resist taking this chance to win the title. This belt is the symbol of DDT and Endo feels proud to win it for the first time. Sasaki accepted Endo’s apology. Endo wants New York to become his second home and promised everyone they will come back. “Remember us!”

DDT came up with a solution to any possible trouble Danshoku Dieno was going to cause with his behaviour. It was so genius in its simplicity. The announcer simply told fans to raise their hands if they wanted Dieno to kiss them during his entrance and many people did. Antonio Honda got to tell his Gon The Fox story in English. It was about Gon visiting the Empire State Building only to discover it was the Empire Big Dick. Dieno got “We Want Ass” chants as he fought off Joey Ryan & Royce Isaacs while the back of his tights were pulled down. It led to the big battle between Ryan’s dick and Dieno’s ass. Honda stuck his Gongitsune fingers into Dieno’s backside to charge them up but Dieno forced those fingers into Honda’s eyes. Ryan then stuck a lollipop into Dieno’s ass, placed it in Honda’s mouth and Super Kicked him for the win.

Both Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh were popular with the fans in their match. Yamashita beat Itoh after hitting a Back Spin Kick and the Crash Rabbit Heat. She wanted to shake Itoh’s hand after the match but Itoh gave her the middle finger.

The weapons for the Weapon Rumble included Antonio Honda doing his Hulk Hogan impersonation (which got booed to hell and back), plastic cases, a trash can, a bicycle, a box of “educational toy blocks” (we can’t say the brand name for legal reasons), a toilet and Chinsuke Nakamura. The ending came when Sanshiro Takagi put MAO through the plastic cases with the Sit Down Himawari Bomb.

Shigehiro Irie made his first appearance for DDT in six months to be part of the 3 Way Tag Match. He and Jason Kincaid reunited RENEGADES for the match. Ethan Page threw his weight around too. But amongst the chaos HARASHIMA hit Akito with the Buzzsaw Kick and finished him off with the Somato to win the match for himself & Kazusada Higuchi.

The Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title had a very busy night. During the show opening introductions Mr. HAKU brought out Saki Akai to explain the concept of the title to any new fans in attendance. Makoto Oishi ran out and cradled Akai to win the belt. Later the Rumble happened with Oishi now as the defending champion. Kikutaro was stopped from entering the match by the ring doctor because he had too high blood pressure. Colt Cabana was more interested in getting a kiss from Akai than wrestling her. Mizuki Watase piled several wrestlers into the corner and hit the Coast To Coast Dropkick on them. Yuu was the surprise entrant and she threw around everyone with her judo throws. Oishi eliminated Akai and Yuu but his momentum was cut short when Yoshihiko grappled him into a Half Crab to submit him. Kazuki Hirata countered Yoshihiko’s Reincarnation into a cradle to win the match. The result meant Hirata won both the Iron Man Title and Yoshihiko’s Right To Challenge Gauntlet. However Saki Akai got back into the ring and gave Hirata the Quetzalcoatl to win back the Iron Man Title. Hirata still holds the Gauntlet. At the end of the show Akai was chased back out to the ring by a bunch of wrestlers. The title changed hands to Oishi then Hirata then Itoh then finally Dieno to close out the show.

In the opener DAMNATION were victorious over Shuten-dōji with Endo getting Masahiro Takanashi to give up to the Modified Yurikamome Hold.

Guide To DDT In New York

DDT “DDT IS COMING TO AMERICA”, 04/04/2019
La Boom, Queens, New York

1. Miyu Yamashita Vs Maki Itoh
2. Danshoku Dieno & Antonio Honda Vs Joey Ryan & Royce Isaacs
3. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Battle Royal: Saki Akai (c) Vs Makoto Oishi Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Yoshihiko Vs Kikutaro Vs Colt Cabana Vs Mizuki Watase Vs X
4. Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo Vs Yukio Sakaguchi & Masahiro Takanashi
5. 3 Way Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Akito & Ethan Page Vs Shigehiro Irie & Jason Kincaid
6. Weapon Rumble In U.S.A.: MAO Vs Sanshiro Takagi
7. KO-D Openweight Title: Konosuke Takeshita Vs Daisuke Sasaki

So you got a ticket for DDT’s first show in America but you’d like some guidance over what to expect. Maybe you’ve only seen the gifs or read about the crazy angles online or by some chance this just happens to be the wrestling show you get to see while in New York and you’re going in blind. Well step on board and welcome to the Dramatic Dream Team! There are many shows at Wrestlemania week this year that is following the trend of wacky, over the top action (thanks Spring Break) but even so, what DDT is offering to everyone at La Boom in Brooklyn will be unlike anything else going on.

When the New York show was announced DDT promised they will be doing an authentic show just like the ones they do in Japan. I can confidently say they are staying true to their word. Even the non-Japanese wrestlers they are using have regularly toured with DDT in Japan in recent years. This is the type of line-up they would put together for their regular monthly shows in Korakuen Hall which is their regular spot for advancing stories, putting together angles and announcing their important events. The card also resembles a “Best Of” theme for the past year of DDT. So for newcomers and fairweather fans you get to see DDT at its most, well, DDT while the hardcore fans will get some rather big rematches to look forward to.

Where Can I Watch It Online?

There are two streaming sites offering the show on iPPV. Both are airing it live and will add it to their Video On Demand services within 24 hours after the show is over. The show will not air live on DDT Universe. The plan is to add the show to the archives later in April but nothing has been confirmed yet.

It is available on FITE for $14.99. FITE is also offering a More Than Mania event bundle with this show included for $69.99.

It is also available on WWN Live for $19.99.

The matches are listed in order as found on DDT’s official website. However that is not a guarantee it will be the official match order on the night.

1. Miyu Yamashita Vs Maki Itoh

This is a rematch of Tokyo Joshi Pro’s Korakuen main event from 4th January. Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh are usually friendly to each other but that goes out the window when they face each other in the ring. This is being advertised as a non-title match.

Miyu Yamashita: The ace of Tokyo Joshi since Day 1. The “Pink Striker” has a karate background and is the girl most associated with the TOKYO Princess Of Princess Title. She is the current champion with the most defences under her belt. At one point she was notoriously bad at speaking English but she’s been studying and has apparently improved. Yamashita previously wrestled in America at the 2018 Chikara King Of Trios tournament where she made it to the final as part of the Tokyo Joshi Freedom Fighters.
Moves To Watch Out For: Crash Rabbit Heat (Penalty Kick style Knee Strike), Attitude Adjustment, Modified Cobra Clutch, Brazilian Kick

Maki Itoh: A former singer from the pop group LinQ who turned to pro wrestling when her idol career fell apart. Has a big ego over her cute appearance yet isn’t shy with her opinions of others. When she’s about to punch her opponent in the corner she yells out “Who is the cutest in the world?” and the audience respond with “Ito-chan!” Loves to give the middle fingers to her opponents. Despite her bad attitude during matches, Itoh garnered a big fanbase for her un-idol like behaviour which includes being open about her mental health on social media.
Moves To Watch Out For: Itoh Special (Texas Cloverleaf that was NOT stolen from Hiroshi Tanahashi), Jumping DDT, Flying Big Head (Diving Headbutt), The World’s Most Cutest Knuckle Punch

2. Danshoku Dieno & Antonio Honda Vs Joey Ryan & Royce Isaacs

Here is the match that can cause the most controversy since it is guaranteed to be filled with very lewd comedy. Joey Ryan is the famous dick wrestler, Danshoku Dieno is the gay wrestling gimmick who was the other half of the viral video that shot Ryan into fame, Royce Isaacs has an ass that can break bones yet create miracles and Antonio Honda has a filthy sense of humour whenever he gets to speak English.

Danshoku Dieno: Dieno is DDT’s most infamous gimmick, starting out as a hyper aggressive gay wrestler who wanted to grope his opponents while fighting them. Maybe it’s refuge in audacity or maybe it’s the grandfather clause from lasting this long but over the years Dieno developed his character and turned it into one of DDT’s most beloved creations. The big question is will Dieno be able to act like himself in New York? He has wrestled in America before and was able to hold himself back a bit when he was in family friendly promotions like Chikara. I reckon at this point the people in the crowd know what they’re getting into and Dieno will be Dieno.
Moves To Watch Out For: Danshoku Driver (Piledriver with the victim’s head stuffed into Dieno’s tights), Lip Lock (a paralysing kiss) Danshoku Nightmare (Dieno pulls down his tights and teabags his opponent)

Antonio Honda: The man of many international backgrounds. He’s been Cuban, he’s been Hawaiian, he’s been Italian, at times he probably wouldn’t feel out of place inside Memphis. But nowadays Honda is the man who loves go talk about a children’s story called Gon, The Little Fox (or Gongitsune depending on the translation). Sometimes accident prone, Honda tells himself the story of Gon to cheer himself up when he gets hurt. This is all so his opponent drops their guard and Honda can poke them in the eyes with “Gon” (imagine the Too Sweet handsign).
Moves To Watch Out For: Diving Fist Drop, Octopus Hold, Bionic Elbow, Gongitsune Eye Pokes

Joey Ryan: Famous dick wrestler Joey Ryan has a busy week ahead of him. He has his own Penis Party happening the day after DDT but he shouldn’t look past this match. If it was up to him he would be called the craziest gaijin in DDT but that is a contested claim. Maybe he can earn that accomplishment and prove all his doubters wrong.
Moves To Watch Out For: YouPorn Plex (Ryan’s penis flips the opponent onto their back), Lollipop Assisted Super Kick

Royce Isaacs: Behold the man with the Miracle Ass! When Isaacs toured with DDT he discovered with Dieno’s help that the strength of his backside was powerful enough to break limbs and pop open even the most jammed of jars. It’s been two years since Isaacs wrestled in a DDT show but he still represented the promotion when he guided Naomi Yoshimura and Rekka around the US indies during their overseas excursions.
Moves To Watch Out For: The Zenith (German Suplex lift into a Uranage), Hush Money (Dragon Suplex lift into a German Suplex)

3. Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title – Battle Royal: Saki Akai (c) Vs Makoto Oishi Vs Kazuki Hirata Vs Yoshihiko Vs Kikutaro Vs Colt Cabana Vs Mizuki Watase Vs X

The WWF Hardcore Championship taken to it’s most logical extreme. The Iron Man Heavymetalweight Title is always being defended 24/7. If there is a referee or anything resembling a referee nearby then they must officiate what is happening to the champion. Due to the ref’s discretion, pretty much everything is eligible to win the belt. Every wrestler, every person, every living creature, every inanimate object, every concept of existence the human mind can think of, you get the drill.

The current champion going into the show is Saki Akai, a supermodel who became a wrestler thanks to DDT. The physical belt has seen better days so Akai has been fixing it by filling the empty studs with pretty stars and bonbons. Makoto Oishi is a 17 year veteran and usually the butt of the joke during comedy spots. Kazuki Hirata loves to imitate an old gimmick from Dragon Gate called Magnum TOKYO. He wears a special pair of Hirata Go! glasses that forces the room to play the “TOKYO GO!” song for him to dance to. Yoshihiko is the wrestling sex doll. Kikutaro and Colt Cabana are both masters of comedy wrestling. Mizuki Watase wasn’t originally meant to be on this show but he spent his own money to fly over so he could meet up with his buddy Shigehiro Irie.

And then there is the mysterious X. DDT often adds the X label for an unadvertised wrestler to appear in these kinds of Battle Royals. It doesn’t always mean just one extra wrestler, there might be more. I think a few of the wrestlers around for the other shows in La Boom this week could make their appearance in this match even if they have no prior history with DDT. But there are some guesses going around online and it’s fun to talk about them so let’s mention it. Kenny Omega is the popular wish of course. Nobody would be happier to see him show up than me but I doubt it’s happening. Jiro “Ikemen” Kuroshio would be a welcome appearance especially since his entrance is perfect comedy for a Rumble match. My prediction however is someone I haven’t seen mentioned elsewhere. I think X will be Chunsuke Nakamura, the Shinsuke Nakamura impersonator! He usually travels to America to see his muse at Wrestlemania and he often works with DDT whenever they want to cash in on Shinsuke’s popularity.

You can never predict what the Iron Man Title can get up to. If it gets unleashed on New York during a wrestling week as busy as this then there will be untold mayhem all over the place!

4. Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo Vs Yukio Sakaguchi & Masahiro Takanashi

A tag team match between members of DAMNATION against Shuten-dōji. The DAMNATION side features the No. 2 & No. 3 regular members of the unit Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo. Shuten-dōji will be splitting up later in April so this will be one of Yukio Sakaguchi & Masahiro Takanashi’s last matches together as a team.

Soma Takao: A homegrown wrestler who DDT had big hopes for but never reached that potential. Instead he fell in with the rough crowd in DAMNATION. Prefers not to speak much. Usually low blows his opponents en route to victory. He is currently one half of the KO-D Tag Team Champions with Daisuke Sasaki.
Moves To Watch Out For: Gin And Tonic (Axe Guillotine Driver), Official Endless Waltz (countless number of cradled and crucifix pins), Sorarina (Wrist Clutch Inside Cradle), Diving Foot Stomp

Tetsuya Endo: A high flying prodigy and generational rival to Konosuke Takeshita. Endo is in a similar boat to Takao in that he hasn’t quite reached the level of success to match his abilities. Tries to tell everyone he is a rotten person but deep down he is very tidy and carefully follows a diet that gives him one of the best physiques in the company.
Moves To Watch Out For: Shooting Star Press, Spinning Torture Rack Bomb, Tetsuya In The Sky (Spanish Fly), Tetsuya In The Sky With Diamonds (Top Rope Spanish Fly)

Yukio Sakaguchi: A former MMA fighter and son of retired wrestler Seiji Sakaguchi. He switched to pro wrestling in 2012 and has been with DDT for seven years now. Usually a serious figure, he would fight to the death if the situation ever calls for it!
Moves To Watch Out For: God’s Right Knee (Charging right knee strike into the turnbuckle), Purgatory (Double High Kick) Penalty Kick, Cobra Clutch

Masahiro Takanashi: If Shuten-dōji is a family then Takanashi is the little brother who knows the best ways to sneak cans of beer into the home without anyone noticing. Due to his small size, Takanashi has to rely on his smarts and ring presence which can make him a crafty wrestler when he wants to be. Underestimate him at your peril.
Moves To Watch Out For: Takatonic (Yoshitonic), Bacchus (Modified Gannosuke Clutch), Lightning Leg Lariat, Laphroaig (Modified Leg Roll Clutch)

5. 3 Way Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Kazusada Higuchi Vs Akito & Ethan Page Vs Shigehiro Irie & Jason Kincaid

A 3 Way tag sprint mixing together a bunch of wrestlers. HARASHIMA & Kazusada Higuchi have been rivals over the KO-D Openweight Title in the past but team together here. Ethan Page had no strong alliance with any unit during his tours in Japan last year but he is being put with Akito from ALL OUT. The only unit being properly represented here is RENEGADES and they don’t really exist in DDT anymore!

HARASHIMA: The backbone of DDT for the last 13 years if not longer. There are others to come from the company who have reach bigger heights in bigger places but HARASHIMA will always be there for DDT. Usually a straightforward wrestler but always up to get involved in the wackier stuff if he has to, HARASHIMA is a jack of all trades. Being the current DDT Extreme Champion should tell you that. If he wins a match, 999 times out of 1000 it is with the Somato.
Moves To Watch Out For: Somato (Double knee strike to a seated opponent), Double Knee Gutbuster, Reverse Frankensteiner, Falcon Arrow

Kazusada Higuchi: A former sumo who was an unbeaten powerhouse in his rookie years. Has since mellowed out and fits in with the sillier side of the roster despite still being difficult to beat. Maybe he can feel a little out of place in that position but hey, you’d rather be with him than against him. I assure you of that.
Moves To Watch Out For: Goten (Canadian Backbreaker into a Choke Slam), Doctor Bomb, Canadian Backbreaker, Oklahoma Stampede

Akito: The “Submission Freak” has an amateur wrestling background and is one of the original members of ALL OUT. Likes to take submission moves and add “perfect” modifications to them.
Moves To Watch Out For: Scorpion Deathlock, Kinniku Big Move (Muscle Buster lift into a Power Bomb), Hanamasa (Lifting Reverse DDT), Perfect Figure Four Leg Lock (Figure Four Leg Lock with Akito grabbing onto both of his opponent’s arms)

Ethan Page: “All Ego” toured with DDT twice in 2018 and is always working a busy schedule around the North American scene. Like with Joey Ryan, Page’s week in New York is filled to the brim with many matches in different places.
Moves To Watch Out For: Spinning Dwayne (Spinning Rock Bottom), Head Shot (Slingshot RKO)

Shigehiro Irie: Returning to DDT for the first time since October 2018. Irie has spent a lot of his time since then wrestling freelance in America and Europe. He will be heading back to Japan soon and will be wrestling on a DDT show there so this isn’t the last we will see of him.
Moves To Watch Out For: Beast Bomber (Lariat), Tazzmission, Final Impact (Arm Trapped Piledriver), Cannonball into corner

Jason Kincaid: Brought into DDT as a “Gift” from Irie, Kincaid has made the company his home away from home. When Irie left DDT and the RENEGADES unit they were a part of split up, Watase stuck around and became friends with Antonio Honda. Now that Irie is back, so is RENEGADES even if it’s just for a day.
Moves To Watch Out For: Philosopher’s Stomp (Diving Double Stomp from the ring post)

6. Weapon Rumble In U.S.A.: MAO Vs Sanshiro Takagi

A rematch of a very crazy DDT stipulation (yes I know Hustle did it before them, shush) from last October’s visit to Sumo Hall. The Weapon Rumble is a Royal Rumble but for weapons! Every time the buzzer goes off a new “weapon” is introduced to the match for the wrestlers to fight over. Just like with the Iron Man Title, anything can constitute as a weapon. Expect a lot of wacky items, unusual mind games and even a cameo or two.

MAO: “Fucked up wrestling for a fucked up world!” That is the motto MAO lives by. The high flyer has taken the mantle as DDT’s new leader of the Falls Count Anywhere match. He established this by beating Takagi in last October’s Weapon Rumble. He won the match but still holds a grudge with Takagi because one of Takagi’s weapons was telling everyone MAO’s phone number. Part of The Moonlight Express tag team, sadly his partner “Speedball” Mike Bailey will not be on the show for visa reasons.
Moves To Watch Out For: Cannonball 450 (450 Splash), Michinoku Driver (I & II), Screw High Kick, Spaceman Plancha

Sanshiro Takagi: The big boss of DDT. I don’t mean he’s the final challenge, I mean he is the company president! That’s right, Sanshiro Takagi is the one ultimately responsible for all this nonsense. He always enters to a remix of “FIRE” by Scooter and encourages the fans to chant along until the song goes “1…2…3. FIRE!” Has a habit of either copying famous wrestlers or dressing up as a Gundam for important matches. Also likes to decided he will retire after every major achievement only to immediately tell everyone he was lying.
Moves To Watch Out For: Sitdown Sunflower/Himawari Bomb (Electric Chair spun into a Sitdown Power Bomb), Stone Cold Stunner, Spicolli Driver (Power Slam lift into a Death Valler Driver)

7. KO-D Openweight Title: Konosuke Takeshita Vs Daisuke Sasaki

The biggest rematch of them all on the show. This was the main event of DDT’s 22nd Anniversary show in Sumo Hall from February. However this time the roles are reversed. Takeshita is the KO-D Champion and Sasaki is going in as the challenger. The match was originally announced as a non-title bout but last weekend Sasaki demanded the belt be put on the line in New York.

Konosuke Takeshita: The current top dog in DDT, Takeshita is only 23 years old but he has been wrestling for DDT since 2012. The leader of ALL OUT has faced some of the biggest names in Japan when he was a rookie supernova and nowadays he still wants to face the best wrestlers outside of DDT. Some of his influences have rubbed off on him as he built his moveset. He uses Kenny Omega’s knee strikes, added the Chicago Skyline from Colt Cabana and most dangerously of all, on rare occasions he busts out the El Generico Brainbustaaaaahhhhh!!!!! It’s only just recently that Takeshita has opened his horizons and wrestled outside of Japan. He is one to follow during Mania week.
Moves To Watch Out For: German Suplex (includes Deadlift and Cross-Arm variations), Surprise Rose (Wrist Clutch Fisherman Suplex) Fable (Springboard Swanton Bomb onto a seated opponent), V Trigger Knee Strikes

Daisuke Sasaki: The leader of DAMNATION and simply known to his lackeys as “Charisma”. Sasaki is as talented as he is always depressed. He was the previous KO-D Champion until Takeshita won it off him at Sumo Hall in February. Was so down in the dumps over the loss that he considered throwing his entire career away until he won the KO-D Tag Titles with Takao. He better hope Takeshita doesn’t give him the Brainbustaaaaahhhhh!!!!! again because last time they missed the turnbuckle! Also don’t let him know he’ll be staying in the same state as Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae during the week. Sasaki fell in love with LeRae when they teamed together for a tour then his life fell apart when he found out she married Gargano. So if the TakeOver: New York main event gets ruined by a Japanese man dressed in dirty clothes, it will probably be Sasaki.
Moves To Watch Out For: Cross Facelock (includes La Mistica and Gargano Escape variations), Sasaki Hurricanrana, Now Or Never (Power Slam lift twisted into a Reverse DDT), Vietnam Driver II (Reverse Michinoku Driver), Diving Elbow Drop onto a chair

Anything else we should know?

Oh, yes! I almost forgot. Currently in DDT there is something called the Right To Challenge Anytime, Anywhere Gauntlet. It is DDT’s version of the Money In The Bank Contract. However there are three of them in existence and they are defended in every match the gauntlet holders are in until they get cashed in for an instant KO-D Title match. Two of the Gauntlet holders are Tetsuya Endo and Yoshihiko, who are both on this show. Will the gauntlet rules be in effect while they are in America? Well if it’s meant to be an authentic DDT event then it should. Maybe we’ll get a surprise title match after the main event!

Is that everything?

No! DDT will be present at several other shows being held in La Boom throughout Mania week. They are tied in with the WWN Live More Than Mania series so if you want to see more of DDT you will find them there. Here is the rundown of DDT related talent appearing on other shows.

EVOLVE “EVOLVE 125”, 04/04/2019
La Boom, Queens, New York

1. Special Attraction Match: Kazusada Higuchi Vs Curt Stallion
2. EVOLVE Tag Team Titles: Eddie Kingston & Joe Gacy (c) Vs Konosuke Takeshita & MAO

There are two shows taking place in La Boom before DDT takes the stage. First up is EVOLVE at noon. Takeshita & MAO are teaming together to go after the EVOLVE Tag Team Championship. The current champions are Eddie Kingston & Joe Gacy, two members of a unit in called The Unwanted. Higuchi has some things lined up for later in the week so for now he gets a warm up match against Curt Stallion.

WXW “AMERIKA IST WUNDERBAR”, 04/04/2019
La Boom, Queens, New York

1. Yuu Vs LuFisto
2. wXw Unified World Title: Bobby Gunns (c) Vs Shigehiro Irie

Next up, Germany’s wXw will run a show in the afternoon. Irie and Yuu are both freelancers now but I want to include their matches here since it felt so good to see and hear what they’ve been up to in Europe the last few months. Irie gets a shot at the wXw Unified World Title when he faces Bobby Gunns, aka the reason why chants are now done to the tune of “Robot Rock” at some European wrestling shows. Meanwhile Yuu faces indy wrestling legend LuFisto.

WWN LIVE “WWN SUPERSHOW 2019 – MERCURY RISING”, 05/04/2019
La Boom, Queens, New York

1. SHINE Title: Allysin Kay (c) Vs Miyu Yamashita
2. WWN Title: JD Drake (c) Vs Kazusada Higuchi
3. The Six Man Tag Team Tradition Continues: AR Fox, Leon Ruff & Adrian Alanis (w/ Ayla) Vs Daisuke Sasaki, Tetsuya Endo & Soma Takao

The entire WWN Live lineup of promotions get together for the annual Mercury Rising supershow. The event likes to hype up their 6-Man Tag Matches and one of them features DAMNATION against The Skulk. Higuchi gets his big match of the week by facing JD Drake for the WWN Championship. Finally Yamashita has challenged Allysin Kay to a match for the SHINE Title.

BLACK LABEL PRO “ADVENTURES IN WRESTLING”, 05/04/2019
White Eagle Hall, New Jersey

1. Jonathan Gresham Vs Shigehiro Irie

The Beast gets to tangle with The Octopus over in Black Label Pro.

WWN LIVE “MORETHANMANIA.COM 2019 WRAP UP PARTY”, 06/04/2019
The Bell House, Brooklyn, New York

1. Falls Count Anywhere Match: Konosuke Takeshita & Sanshiro Takagi Vs Dr. Cube’s Posse

DDT’s week ends in the most wackiest way possible. They get to work with Kaiju Big Battel! At this show, DDT stands for Double Danger Tandems. Takeshita & Takagi are going in together to find the most danger. They are supposedly going to face two kaiju from Dr. Cube’s Posse.

And then that’s it. Unless there are any unadvertised or last minute appearances on other shows, that’s the complete DDT schedule for their trip to New York. Any last questions?

Will the Steiner Brothers be at the DDT show?

No.