DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 ~27TH ANNIVERSARY 5 HOUR SPECIAL~” Results

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 ~27TH ANNIVERSARY 5 HOUR SPECIAL~”, 17/03/2024
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,491 Fans – Super No Vacancy

1. “Intern Wrestler” Tsubasa Suzuki Debut Match: Soma Takao defeated Tsubasa Suzuki with the Perfect Driver (9:08).
2. Yuya Koroku Return Match: To-y, Ilusion & Rukiya defeated Yuni, Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi when To-y pinned Koroku with the Kojima Impact (8:42).
3. Keisuke Ishii & Shinichiro Kawamatsu defeated Toru Owashi & Gorgeous Matsuno when Ishii pinned Matsuno with the Double Arm Driver (9:26).
4. Special Single Match: Super Sasadango Machine Vs Akito ended in a Draw when both of them fell asleep (7:20).
5. SCHADENFREUDE International Vs DAMNATION T.A!: Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul defeated Chris Brookes, Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda when KANON submitted Honda with the Just Cobra Twist (11:21).
6. Special Single Match: Ken Ohka defeated Sanshiro Takagi with the Spear Of Flame (10:32).
7. Special Tag Match: Shuji Ishikawa & Yoshitatsu defeated Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya when Ishikawa pinned Higuchi with the Splash Mountain (12:24).
8. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles – Belt Contra Dissolution: Jun Akiyama, Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi (c) defeated Kazuki Hirata, Naruki Doi & Shinya Aoki when Oishi pinned Hirata with an Egoist Driver Cutback (9:48).
*V4 for D.O.A. Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor must disband.
9. DDT Extreme Title – Painful Jungle Death Match: Shunma Katsumata (c) defeated Hideki Okatani with the Totonou Splash onto a Barbed Wire Board (13:38).
*V1 for Shunma Katsumata.
10. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino (c) defeated Ryuki Honda & Yuma Anzai when Endo pinned Honda with the Burning Star Press (16:57).
*V1 for BURNING.
11. DDT Universal Title: MAO (c) defeated Takeshi Masada by Knockout with the Senpukyaku (4:22).
*V6 for MAO.
12. Special Single Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA defeated Yuma Aoyagi with the Modified Falcon Arrow (19:16).
13. KO-D Openweight Title: Yuki Ueno (c) defeated HARASHIMA with the WR (22:50).
*V3 for Yuki Ueno.

27 years of DDT called for another marathon show at Korakuen Hall to celebrate. 13 matches took place across almost 6 hours in front of a big crowd. The big bout at the end was Yuki Ueno moving past HARASHIMA in the latest defence of his KO-D Openweight Title reign. The match called for a big performance for the champion who wants to be established as DDT’s ace against the wrestler who himself is nicknamed “Mr. DDT” for his own dominance over the company throughout the years. Ueno did a Moonsault from one of the aisle entrance ways while back in the ring HARASHIMA did an Inverted Hurricanrana off of the top rope. More action took place out of the ring and almost ended Ueno’s reign but he returned at the 19 count. HARASHIMA hit the Somato but only got a two count with it. Another attempt was countered with Ueno’s big Dropkick and when Ueno gave him the WR, HARASHIMA had no answer for it and was pinned.

After the match Ueno hugged HARASHIMA and Kenta Kobashi handed the KO-D Title to him. Ueno talked about figuring out how to put his thoughts and feelings about his relationship with HARASHIMA into words. Today his heart feels full and satisfied because he got to have a big title match with HARASHIMA. He is sure HARASHIMA will continue to be an ace and they will often be opponents again in the future. But next time Ueno will be stronger and even a little more cocky. He thanked him for always being there.

Now Ueno turns his attention to his next defence. It is scheduled for 26th April in Sumida Ward General Gymnasium. There is one more important person Ueno wants to have a title match and that is DDT’s vice president Akito! Ueno ignored Akito’s objections and called him into the ring. Akito explained it’s not right for a wrestler in his position to take on such an important challenge. He also has not won any singles matches at all this year. Ueno agreed there are other more suitable challengers out there but none of them interest him more than Akito. He has a lot of jobs as vice president and Ueno argued that being a title challenger is one of them. Akito understood but warned the champion what could happen once his filter is switched off because there is nobody who thinks more about DDT than he does! Not Sanshiro Takagi, not Danshoku Dieno, not HARASHIMA and not Yuki Ueno! 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at work, at home, no matter where he travels to, it is Akito who devotes his life to the company. When DDT has good times he has good times too. When DDT has hard times he has hard times too. Akito is betting his entire life on DDT and will use all of his poison to erase Ueno’s brilliance!

Given this match was DDT against All Japan, you’d expect it would be Konosuke Takeshita coming out doing the wacky DDT entrance. Nope, it was Yuma Aoyagi who got into the swing of things riding to the ring on the Dramatic Dream bike and wearing a crazy looking helmet. The match itself was a smash with the two living up to expectations. Takeshita hit Aoyagi with the Jumping Knee and the Wagamama but it wasn’t enough to win. So he did the deal with the same Spinning Falcon Arrow he used to win a match in AEW earlier this week to get the same result here. Backstage Takeshita sent his thanks out to Aoyagi for accepting his invitation to do the match in DDT. Takeshita respects every wrestler from his generation no matter what company they work for and if possible would like to fight all of them. However he has something to do in America next so he has limited chances to wrestle again in Japan for the time being. He said it is up to his generation in Japan to liven up the wrestling world. Aoyagi called the match refreshing. He would like a rematch once every couple of years on a schedule similar to the Olympics. He also wants to fight other DDT wrestlers from his generation, like Yuki Ueno for example. But not now. Let him take a rest first.

It was a long show and time was not wasted in the DDT Universal Title match. Fueled by the recent criticisms aimed against him by the champion, Takeshi Masada attacked MAO before the bell with a Missile Dropkick. MAO responded with a Leapfrog Stunner over the ref and the match officially began from there. In the next four minutes MAO controlled the match and had an answer for most of what Masada threw at him. Masada got hit with big strikes but was determined to keep on fighting until he was hit with the Whirlwind Kick. Masada couldn’t return to his feet in time and was counted out. MAO quickly moved on and asked for who his challenger will be in America. An image flashed on the screen showing he will defend the Universal Title at Philadelphia on 4th April against Billie Starkz in a No Rules Match! MAO loves the Universal Title so much he will use it to set the whole world on fire!

There was another DDT Vs AJPW match on the card, this one had the KO-D Tag Team Titles on the line. The champions BURNING had been trying to sort themselves out lately over some miscommunication problems. New Period were coming over to be a big distraction for them, one that could see All Japan take over one of DDT’s main championships. The challengers even allegedly got in touch with Yoshihiko to learn what weaknesses of the champions they could exploit! However BURNING in the end got to show their problems with teamwork. In fact it was a missed double team from New Period that led to Ryuki Honda & Yuma Anzai hitting each other by accident. Later Yuki Iino charged towards Tetsuya Endo and Endo dropped down into the splits. Iino then jumped over him to Spear Honda! Endo then gave him the Torture Rack Bomb for a nearfall and finished him off with the Burning Star Press.

Endo declared the result a victory for BURNING and the KO-D Tag Titles still belong to them. However he admits it won’t be long until New Period’s time truly arrives. When that time does come Endo & Iino will want a rematch against them. Endo also told Honda it’s fine to use Yoshihiko but he has to return DDT’s property back to their office (later Honda and Yoshihiko got into a fight backstage bringing their short lived friendship to an end). BURNING’s next title defence will be at the 7th April Korakuen Hall show. Endo asked for Jun Akiyama to be one of the opponents because he wants to defend the title against him. Akiyama accepted but none of his regular partners are available at the moment. If he or DDT can find someone suitable to team with him he will do the title match on 7th April. Iino then tried to provoke Akiyama by doing the BURNING pose in front of him. Akiyama smiled, left the ring and did the same post in the dirction towards Kobashi at the commentary table. Endo told fans to look forward to the new BURNING, one without Akiyama or Kobashi in it!

The Painful Jungle Death Match lived up to its name, providing DDT with one of its most bloodiest matches in a while. Many sharp and piercing objects were placed in the ring along with some jungle looking items. For example there was a barbed wire board with a large snake toy caught on top of it. Shunma Katsumata and Hideki Okatani proceeded to throw and slam each other onto everything with the DDT Extreme Title at stake. Okatani couldn’t get the win with either the Double Arm Suplex or Quetzalcoatl. Instead Katsumata got the upper hand and won with the Totonou Splash while the snake and barbed wire board was placed on top of Okatani. The two embraced after the match and Katsumata thanked Okatani for giving him such an intense match. A video then played on the screen. It is a message sent by Hi69 from NOAH (or TEAM NOAH to be exact). He wants to challenge the Extreme Champion to a Hardcore Match for the title on 7th April! Katsumata is happy to hear Hi69 show interest but he does not know the first thing about the Extreme Title! The champion is supposed to make the rules, not the challenger. Katsumata accepted the challenge anyway.

Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor we hardly knew ye. They went up against D.O.A in a match that had both the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles on the line as well as the future of Kazuki Hirata’s new unit. Sadly for Hirata the match ended in tragedy when he gave Makoto Oishi the Egoist Driver but left himself open for Oishi to cradle him into a suddent defeat. Naruki Doi did not mind facing the consequences. He consoled Hirata over what happened and then told Shinya Aoki it was time for them to go home. However Hirata wanted to soak in the moment knowing it would be the last time Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor would all be together. Hirata gave a speech that made Doi become impatient but sent Aoki to the brink of tears. The three then stood together for a special dissolution ceremony which included the singing of the unit’s anthem plus a narrated history of the unit. All 22 days of it. Meanwhile backstage DAMNATION T.A attacked Makoto Oishi, demanding the next shot at the KO-D 6-Man Tag Titles.

Does this kind of count as another DDT Vs AJPW match? Both Shuji Ishikawa & Yoshitatsu have called All Japan their home promotion up until very recently. They have since taken different paths away from there but those paths reunited them here for a match against two of DDT’s main heavyweights. Ishikawa had a handle of Kazusada Higuchi by the end of it. He blocked the Brain Claw Slam and turned it into the Fire Thunder for a nearfall. Ishikawa followed it up with the Kamigoye and Running Knee Strike for another two count before getting the victory by using the Splash Mountain. Yukio Naya didn’t want the fight to end though and stood toe to toe with Ishikawa afterwards. This won’t be the last we will see of Ishikawa in DDT this year. He is entering the King Of DDT tournament. He believes what he did today shows he is the only choice to win it. Both Naya & Higuchi are warning him not to mess with DDT’s heavyweight division.

The reason why DDT names its anniversary shows “JUDGEMENT” goes back to its very first show in 1997 where the audience in attendance back then judged whether or not Sanshiro Takagi and his crew would go ahead with running more shows. So it is only fitting that Takagi would himself judge whether or not Ken Ohka and Ganbare☆Pro are ready to go independent from CyberFight. GanPro’s next chapter begins in April and the entire group was in Korakuen to support Ohka at ringside while he fought his soon to be former employer. Ohka took a beating in the match and was almost counted out in the ring. But he got back to his feet all fired up, even giving Takagi a Stunner. Ohka then got the better of a strike exchange, knocking Takagi down with a Lariat. The opening was there and Ohka took it. He hit Takagi with the Spear Of Flame and beat his boss!

After the match an emotional Ohka said his life wouldn’t be like this if he never got involved with Takagi. He has changed Ohka’s life so much. Sometimes it was sad and painful but without Takagi, Ohka would not be so happy right now. From now on he will make GanPro a great wrestling company without the need to rely on Takagi and for that he thanks him. Takagi told Ohka he’s had a dramatic life but saying stuff like that makes it sound like Takagi was ruining his life! If that was true then he wouldn’t have a group of friends that all make up GanPro. Whatever happens in the future, Takagi wants to get with Ohka again whether it is to work together or fight each other. He then presented Ohka with a graduation certificate and told him to cherish his friends. Takagi hopes he will continue to give dreams to many people and have a more dramatic pro wrestling life than anyone else. Later Ohka told reporters he will continue with his goal to make pro wrestling into a major sport. Baseball has Shohei Ohtani, basketball has Michael Jordan, Formula 1 has Mika Häkkinen and football has Pelé. Ohka wants to become as great in wrestling as they are in their respective sports.

DAMNATION T.A’s path to a KO-D 6-Man Tag Titles shot started earlier in the show when they beat SCHADENFREUDE International. As always Antonio Honda was bothered by his trick knee but used Gongitsune to bounce back from it. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON hit him with the Freedom Call but CDK were there to break the pin. They got rid of Sasaki & MJ Paul but it turned out KANON could handle the 2 Vs 1 odds that were against him. The match came down to him against Honda and KANON countered the constant cradle pins into the Just Cobra Twist to make Honda submit.

Akito isn’t the only busy wrestler around here. Super Sasadango Machine has his own management problems to deal with and took valuable time out of his schedule to be at this show. So when he found out he wasn’t booked for a match despite being on the poster, Akito offered to fight him as an apology. Both of them have been feeling tired over work lately and Sasadango’s PowerPoint Presentation explained they were both going to wrestle at just 10% of their normal energy bar. However the presentation kept switching to a video of Akito being attacked backstage by all of the young DDT wrestlers so that was the actual reason why he made it to the ring in a tired state. When the match began it was as if Akito and Sasadango were already entering into the finishing stretch. Sasadango gave Akito the Lehmann Shock and went for the pin but before the count reached three everything froze. “Etuprika” began to play and the audience was shown a video of Akito’s inner monologue. Then in slow motion Akito kicked out, fought back and hit Sasadango so hard his mask peeled off. Akito slowly applied an Ankle Lock when time stood still again so everyone could hear Sasadango’s inner monologue. This time Sasadango spoke about how good and relaxed he felt. So much so that he fell asleep. Akito had run out of energy too so both men were practically out cold. Yukinori Matsui checked on both of them while they slept and had to rule the match a draw.

Did the world really need a face off between Gorgeous Matsuno and Shinichiro Kawamatsu? Well they got one. Matsuno’s offence was the weakest its been for a while even with Toru Owashi’s help. Things went from bad to worse when Keisuke Ishii got involved and did not hold back. When he lifted Matsuno up for the Double Arm Driver, Matsuno started to tap out. However the ref was standing on the other side and couldn’t see it so Ishii was free to drop him right onto the canvas for the win. Luckily Matsuno was not hurt too much. He returned at the very end of the show to sing everyone off.

Six of the young wrestlers entering the D GENERATIONS CUP were put in a 6-Man Tag together early in the show. To-y, Ilusion & Rukiya ended up beating Yuni, Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi. It was also Koroku’s return match from injury but he took the losing fall to To-y in the end.

When Soma Takao had his debut match in DDT he won the bout with an Ultra Hurricanrana. So Tsubasa Suzuki trying to win his first DDT match as an intern with a Phoenix Splash isn’t that too outlandish. Too bad he missed his target. The match was going well for him up until then. He still had his wits about him to block the Gin And Tonic but Takao switched over to the Running Elbow Butt and then the Perfect Driver to win the match. He told reporters he could have used a traditional Crab Hold but he wanted to win with the finisher he used in his college club days. He is looking forward to the day Suzuki will beat him with the Phoenix Splash. Suzuki admits he is still weak and the difference between pro wrestling with student wrestling is like competing in a different sport. He hopes to grow into a stronger and better wrestler.

Keigo Nakamura appeared during the early portion of the show with some good news. He is returning to the ring on 26th April!

A guest wrestler was announced for “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2024” on 21st July. It is the return of everyone’s amigo El Desperado!

The full list of entries for the King Of DDT was revealed. Entering the tournament are Poison Sawada JULIE, Sanshiro Takagi, Danshoku Dieno, HARASHIMA, Shuji Ishikawa, Tetsuya Endo, Daisuke Sasaki, Kazusada Higuchi, Chris Brookes, Yuki Ueno, MAO, Yuki Iino, Yukio Naya, KANON, Takeshi Masada and the D GENERATIONS CUP winner.

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 TOUR IN OSAKA” Result

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 TOUR IN OSAKA”, 10/03/2024
Osaka Azalea Taisho Hall
203 Fans – No Vacancy

1. Toru Owashi & Akito defeated Yukio Naya & Yuni when Owashi pinned Yuni with La Magistral Cradle (8:44).
2. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON defeated Kazusada Higuchi & Makoto Oishi when KANON submitted Oishi with the Cobra Twist (10:08).
3. Special Single Match: Danshoku Dieno defeated Tsutenkakka with the Danshoku Driver (7:37).
4. Kazuki Hirata Debut 14th Anniversary Vol. 1 ~ Handi-Life Match: Kazuki Hirata (1 HP) defeated Jun Akiyama (0 HP) (7:33).
4a. Jun Akiyama (1 HP) defeated Kazuki Hirata (3 HP) with the Front Neck Lock (0:06).
4b. Jun Akiyama (1 HP) defeated Kazuki Hirata (2 HP) by Knockout with the Running Knee Butt (3:46).
4c. Kazuki Hirata (1 HP) defeated Jun Akiyama (1 HP) with the Miracle One Shot Cradle (7:33).
5. BURNING Vs The 37KAMIINA!: Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino defeated MAO & To-y when Endo pinned To-y with the Burning Star Press (12:56).
6. Osaka Specialty Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yoshitatsu, Chris Brookes & Takeshi Masada defeated Sanshiro Takagi, Naoki Tanizaki & Rukiya when Masada pinned Rukiya with the Masada No Chikara KOBU Mukimuki (12:25).
7. Special Tag Match: HARASHIMA & Hideki Okatani defeated Yuki Ueno & Shunma Katsumata when HARASHIMA submitted Ueno with a Torso Sleeper Hold (20:10).

Some of the Sumo Hall challengers showed today they are catching up to The 37KAMIINA and can do what they do just as well. HARASHIMA got one back on Yuki Ueno by using his own Torso Sleeper Hold to beat him by submission in the main event. Here HARASHIMA was able to make Ueno tap out which Ueno couldn’t do to him earlier in the week. Meanwhile Hideki Okatani went Hardcore against Shunma Katsumata with both of them digginh skewers into each other’s heads. Okatani came out looking the better while Katsumata was left bleeding over his face. Okatani took the microphone from HARASHIMA after the match and told Katsumata their DDT Extreme Title match on 17th March will be more intense, hot and bloody than it was today. HARASHIMA told Ueno he cannot afford to lose the KO-D Openweight Title match against him. He offered a handshake but Ueno slapped him instead. HARASHIMA promised the Osaka fans he will come back here as the KO-D Champion. He will also do his best even more in the title match because it is happening on a DDT anniversary show.

Takeshi Masada is also feeling more confident about his chances to win the DDT Universal Title. He picked up the fall in the semi-main event tag match and appreciates that it happened in his home of Osaka. Meanwhile Naoki Tanizaki had to console Rukiya for losing in Osaka. He realized there are actually a lot of pro wrestlers from Toyonaka City so they along with Sanshiro Takagi should go collect them all. Rukiya suggested if the three of them find two other Toyonaka wrestlers then they can challenge for the KO-D 10-Man Tag Team Titles.

There were no teamwork problems between Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino today. Iino is no confident BURNING can beat New Period and retain the KO-D Tag Team Titles on 17th March. Endo believes they still have problems as a team that they need to iron out but they had a good flow today and communicated well with each other.

Kazuki Hirata decided his bout against Jun Akiyama was going to be a Handi-Life Match. He was going to fight carrying the spirits of Naruki Doi and Shinya Aoki on his shoulders so Akiyama would need to beat him three times in three different ways in order to win. Hirata however only needed to beat Akiyama once with a 1-Count pin to be the winner. Akiyama hated the idea but was forced to accept them by the fans. When the match began Akiyama immediately beat Hirata in the first fall by submission. In the second fall Hirata tried to copy Aoki and Doi’s moves but failed and was knocked out by a Knee Strike. Yukinori Matsui revived him for the third and deciding fall. He was able to survive this time and catch Akiyama in the Miracle One Shot Cradle for a single second to be declared the winner of the match. Makoto Oishi couldn’t believe that both of his D.O.A partners have lost to Hirata back to back! He declared he will fight his hardest to defend the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles on 17th March. However Akiyama pointed out Oishi is the weakest one on the team! Hirata defended the rules because the skill level gap is so big between himself and Akiyama that he needs a 1-Count Fall to give him a 50-50 chance of winning. He won’t need that rule for the title match because the rest of Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor will be there.

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 TOUR IN SHINJUKU” Results

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 TOUR IN SHINJUKU”, 06/03/2024
Shinjuku FACE
303 Fans – No Vacancy

1. To-y & Yuni defeated Chris Brookes & Ilusion when To-y pinned Ilusion with the Kojima Impact (7:58).
2. Special Tag Match: Makoto Oishi & Shishamo Power defeated Yoshitatsu & Antonio Honda when Power pinned Honda with the Shishamo Of Yamada (9:17).
3. Kazuki Hirata Debut 14th Anniversary Vol. 1 ~ Are You Serious!? Seal Your Opponent’s Technique Death Match!!: Kazuki Hirata defeated Danshoku Dieno by Disqualification (9:29).
4. Jun Akiyama, Kazusada Higuchi & Soma Takao defeated Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul when Higuchi pinned Paul with the Brain Claw Press (10:56).
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match ~ DDT Vs AJPW: Ryuki Honda, Yuma Anzai & Ryo Inoue defeated Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino & Tomomitsu Matsunaga when Honda pinned Matsunaga with the Final Vent (17:51).
6. Road To Judgement 2024! Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, MAO & Shunma Katsumata defeated HARASHIMA, Takeshi Masada & Hideki Okatani by Referee Stoppage when Ueno used the Dojime Sleeper Hold on HARASHIMA (18:31).

It turns out getting back to good condition again isn’t worth much when that energy can get choked out of you afterwards. Yuki Ueno scored a major fall over HARASHIMA by strangling him with the Dojime Sleeper Hold until the main event was stopped by the referee. The finish came when Ueno countered the Somato by catching HARASHIMA mid-sprint and spinning it into the Sleeper. MAO and Takeshi Masada also got time to wrestle each other while Shunma Katsumata dug some skewers into Hideki Okatani’s head. MAO talked about how strong The 37KAMIINA are after the win. He thinks Masada is better off being an influencer on social media instead of a wrestler. The DDT Universal Title MAO carries also holds the last three years of his hardships so Masada won’t take the belt from him so easily. Katsumata wanted to call out Okatani but admitted he doesn’t really have anything to say to him. Ueno said everyone in DDT is proud of HARASHIMA’s greatness but he does not want DDT to turn 180 degrees in the other direction if HARASHIMA wins the KO-D Openweight Title from him. The 37KAMIINA don’t want to remain the same and as champions they will continue to make DDT more interesting.

In the warm-up for the KO-D Tag Team Titles match coming up later this month, the All Japan team beat the DDT team. New Period along with Ryo Inoue on their side defeated BURNING and Tomomitsu Matsunaga (in as a last minute substitute for Rukiya). Ryuki Honda got to choke his opponents on the ropes and count along with the referee’s five second warning. He and Yuma Anzai also taunted Yuki Iino by making fun of BURNING whenever the opportunity allowed them to. Iino’s temper got the best of him and he ended up accidentally hitting Tetsuya Endo with a missed attack. New Period turned their attention to Matsunaga but Anzai still found spots to give Endo a German Suplex and then hit Iino with a Jumping Knee. With them out of the way, Honda was free to pin Matsunaga with the Final Vent. New Period celebrated a complete victory for AJPW over DDT and said the same result will happen on 17th March when they become the new KO-D Tag Champions! Iino told them they are not BURNING, he and Endo is. Endo promised to win because the titles are proof he is part of the best tag team in DDT.

A special rule was applied via lottery for Kazuki Hirata’s match against Danshoku Dieno. There were seven different options hidden in envelopes and the one chosen before the show began forced the wrestlers to seal their own techniques for the match. That means Hirata was prohibited from dancing while Dieno was not allowed to do anything “Danshoku” like. It made both of them trying to break old habits while tempting each other to fall for their own tricks. Makoto Oishi walked out to Hirata’s music wearing Hirata’s entrance robe, tempting Hirata around ringside to dance with him. Yukinori Matsui got caught in the action. He was knocked out after taking the Tegatana strike to the neck from Hirata and the Lip Lock from Dieno, both by mistake. Without the referee around, Hirata took out his GO! glasses and Dieno behaved like his old self. Matsui woke up to see Dieno dry humping his opponent and called for the bell to disqualfy him. Dieno said the result doesn’t mean much as a preview for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles match because he wasn’t pinned or submitted. Meanwhile Hirata only learned afterwards that if Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor loses the title match on 17th March then they will disband. However when he heard that Naruki Doi came up with the stipulation, he thought it meant that Doi values the unit so much he is willing to put it all on the line to win the titles! Hirata is now motivated to put in 200% effort so he, Doi & Shinya Aoki can become the new champions and stick together as a team.

The return of the seafood loving pro wrestler Shishamo Power went from a happy story to a sad one when Oishi turned on him after their match. For you see, Oishi hates seafood and thinks chicken is much tastier! He continued to attack Power until Chris Brookes entered the ring. Brookes then joined in the attack because he hates seafood too! Suddenly Unagi Mask made his return to DDT in order to rescue his fellow masked ally. The two agreed to team up for an all out battle against the chicken meat lovers at the DDT show sponsored by Yamada Suisan on 14th April.

A press conference was held for Katsumata and Okatani before the show began. Katsumata announced the DDT Extreme Title bout on 17th March is going to be a Painful Jungle Death Match! Each corner of the ring is going to have something attached to it in order to make it more painful when wrestlers are thrown into it. With all four corners covered like this as well as death match weapons being placed around the canvas it will turn the ring into a jungle! Katsumata did not reveal what any of the weapons or material are and teased everyone to use their imagination. Okatani promised the match will be a hot and bloody battle even though he can’t figure out what Katsumata has up his sleeve.

Debuts And Anniversaries Coming Up, Judgement 2024 Complete Card, Zack Sabre Jr In DDT

BAKA GAIJIN + FRIENDS “VOL. TWELVE: TEEN AGE RIOT”, 27/02/2024
Tokyo ARENA Shimokitazawa

No matches have been announced yet for tomorrow’s Baka Gaijin + Friends show. All that has been advertised is Chris Brookes, Masahiro Takanashi, MAO and Mad Dr. Ueki are all scheduled to appear.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO “TJPW LIVE TOUR 2024 SPRING”, 03/03/2024
Shinjuku FACE

1. 3 Way Match: Suzume Vs Mahiro Kiryu Vs Kaya Toribami
2. Uta Debut Match: Miu Watanabe & Uta Vs Raku & Shino Suzuki
3. Kirra Debut Match: Nao Kakuta & Kirra Vs Arisu Endo & Chika Nanase
4. Rika Tatsumi Vs Haru Kazashiro
5. Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao Vs Yuki Kamifuku & Pom Harajuku
6. Miyu Yamashita & Moka Miyamoto Vs Wakana Uehara & Toga
7. Ryo Mizunami & Yuki Aino Vs Mizuki & HIMAWARI

This show is a happening a few days before the first anniversary of Toga’s debut match against Miyu Yamashita. So they get to be on opposite sides of the ring again to celebrate it.

The debuts of Uta and Kirra are coming up this Sunday. We’ll likely get their official ring names in the next few days. Uta’s debut puts her in the ring with the rest of the active Up Up Girls. Kirra’s first match also involved Chika Nanase who only just debuted over the weekend.

BASARA “BASARA 243 ~TAKAGARI 23~”, 09/03/2024
Tokyo Takashimadaira Kumin Center

1. Lil’ Kraken Vs Munetatsu Nakamura
2. Daichi Kazato Vs Tsutomu Oosugi
3. Takumi Tsukamoto & Trans-Am ★ Hiroshi Vs Takato Nakano & Masato Kamino
4. KUBITO & Yasu Urano Vs SAGAT & Banana Senga
5. Isami Kodaka, Ryuichi Sekine & Minoru Fujita Vs FUMA, Ryota Nakatsu & Fuminori Abe

Masato Kamino has stepped forward wanting to be Minoru Fujita’s next opponent for the Union MAX Title. The challenge was accepted but is not happening just yet.

DDT “JUDGEMENT 2024 ~27TH ANNIVERSARY 5 HOUR SPECIAL~”, 17/03/2024
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. “Intern Wrestler” Tsubasa Suzuki Debut Match: Soma Takao Vs Tsubasa Suzuki
2. Yuya Koroku Return Match: To-y, Ilusion & Rukiya Vs Yuni, Yuya Koroku & Kazuma Sumi
3. Toru Owashi & Gorgeous Matsuno Vs Akito & Shinichiro Kawamatsu
4. SCHADENFREUDE International Vs DAMNATION T.A!: Chris Brookes, Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda Vs Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul
5. Special Tag Match: Kazusada Higuchi & Yukio Naya Vs Shuji Ishikawa & Yoshitatsu
6. Special Single Match: Sanshiro Takagi Vs Ken Ohka
7. Special Single Match: KONOSUKE TAKESHITA Vs Yuma Aoyagi
8. KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles – Belt Contra Dissolution: Jun Akiyama, Danshoku Dieno & Makoto Oishi (c) Vs Kazuki Hirata, Naruki Doi & Shinya Aoki
9. KO-D Tag Team Titles: Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino (c) Vs Ryuki Honda & Yuma Anzai
10. DDT Extreme Title: Shunma Katsumata (c) Vs Hideki Okatani
11. DDT Universal Title: MAO (c) Vs Takeshi Masada
12. KO-D Openweight Title: Yuki Ueno (c) Vs HARASHIMA

The 27th Anniversary of DDT’s first show contains 12 matches so they will not overrun the 5 hour timeslot in Korakuen Hall this time. The DDT Universal Title is up for grabs as well as who will get to defend that championship in American this April. MAO believes he is now the greatest DDT Universal Champion ever and wanted his next defence to be at the Philadelphia show. However Takeshi Masada really wants to be in the same position and wanted to challenge MAO before then so he can take that spot instead. MAO only wants to be challenge by wrestlers he thinks can be trusted with the Universal Title. He doesn’t believe Masada is at that level yet but the audience support for the challenger convinced MAO to give him the chance.

The newest unit in DDT could quickly become champions before we know it. Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor will now face D.O.A for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Titles after Naruki Doi pinned Makoto Oishi yesterday. Just like with D.O.A’s previous defences, high stakes must be on the line for both teams. Doi decided that if his team loses then they will split up. That sounds like a serious stipulation until you find out Doi does not want to be part of Kazuki Hirata’s new unit so he isn’t going to lose any sleep if they lose and never have to team up again.

Shuji Ishikawa returns to DDT for the first time since last July. He is coming off of a bad split with All Japan and now has new responsibilities as the GM of Evolution Joshi. So if this is his only DDT appearance for the year I’ll take it.

The Intern Wrestler Tsubasa Suzuki gets Soma Takao for his first match.

GANBARE☆PRO “GANPRO 2024 TRUE BLUE”, 20/03/2024
Tokyo Takashimadaira Kumin Center

1. Spirit Of Ganbare World Tag Team Titles: Shuichiro Katsumura & Takuya Wada (c) Vs Shota & Soma Takao

Right before Shota leaves Ganbare☆Pro to go freelance he & Soma Takao are getting what could be their final shot at the Spirit Of Ganbare Tag Team Titles. It is a championship that ROMANCE DAWN has never won. Shota would love to claim it and defend it wherever he goes next. GROUND ABSOLUTE will try and stop that because Shuichiro Katsumura isn’t looking to lose either of his championships anytime soon.

DDT “APRIL FOOL 2024”, 07/04/2024
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Special Single Match: Shinya Aoki Vs Chihiro Hashimoto
2. Dramatic Dream Tag Match: Yuki Ueno & MAO Vs Zack Sabre Jr. & Chris Brookes

A big surprise was dropped in DDT yesterday when Chris Brookes invited his friend Zack Sabre Jr. to come over for a match. Sabre has a few DDT tapes in his collection back home so the place was always on his bucket list. Sadly his hopes of fighting Yoshihiko or the Ladder aren’t possible at the moment so he identified DDT’s two strongest singles champions as wrestlers he would like to fight. Yuki Ueno & MAO are just as excited to do the match as Sabre & Brookes are.

There is also going to be a rematch from a DDT bout that took place at Tokyo Dome City Hall in December 2022. On that night Chihiro Hashimoto beat Shinya Aoki clean and Aoki wants to avenge that loss to her. He expects the rematch to be as dramatic as sumo wrestler Shinichi Suzukawa’s return from injury was!

DDT “DDT X ZEEKSTAR TOKYO SPECIAL PERFORMANCE ~ DDZT”, 26/04/2024
Tokyo Sumida Ward General Gymnasium

1. KO-D Openweight Title: Yuki Ueno (c) Vs X

The next KO-D Title defence after the 27th Anniversary show will be in April at a DDT collaborative show with the Zeekstar Tokyo handball team. Either Ueno or HARASHIMA will be the defending champion.

DDT “INTO THE FIGHT 2024” Results

DDT “INTO THE FIGHT 2024”, 25/02/2024
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,600 Fans – Super No Vacancy Full House

1. Chris Brookes, Masahiro Takanashi & Antonio Honda defeated Yuki Iino, Yuni & Ilusion when Brookes pinned Yuni with the Our Love Letter (8:48).
2. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON defeated Akito & Soma Takao when KANON pinned Takao after the Freedom Call (8:24).
3. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Kazuki Hirata, Naruki Doi & Shinya Aoki defeated Danshoku Dieno, Makoto Oishi & Toru Owashi when Doi pinned Oishi with a Crucifix Pin (9:05).
4. Special Single Match: To-y defeated MJ Paul with a School Boy (7:12).
5. Kazusada Higuchi & Yoshitatsu defeated Yukio Naya & Rukiya when Higuchi pinned Rukiya with the Brain Claw Slam (10:58).
6. DDT Universal Title: MAO (c) defeated Hikaru Machida with the Michinoku Driver II (14:27).
*V5 for MAO.
7. Kaisei Takechi Debut Match ~ Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & Kaisei Takechi defeated Tetsuya Endo, Hideki Okatani & Takeshi Masada when Ueno pinned Okatani with the BME (20:19).

Today’s DDT show was a little bit different than usual. The big attraction was the debut pro wrestling match of Kaisei Takechi, a member of a famous dance group in Japan called THE RAMPAGE, which itself is part of an entertainment collective called EXILE TRIBE. In 2022 Takechi took a role on a TV drama about wrestling called Fukumen D. That show featured involvement from DDT (represented on the show as a fictional company called BBT, Brave Battle Truth) and it led to the two sides coming up with this deal. The hype behind today’s debut led to best business DDT’s had at Korakuen Hall in years. Tickets had been sold out for weeks thanks to THE RAMPAGE fanbase buying them up to see Takechi’s big performance.

For the main event Takechi wanted to team with Yuki Ueno, the reigning KO-D Openweight Champion who coached him during training. He also wanted to be in the ring against wrestlers his own age so DDT decided the match would be Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & Takechi against Tetsuya Endo, Hideki Okatani & Takeshi Masada. These are all wrestlers considered by DDT to be part of the same generation. Takechi got to get time fighting each one of his three opponents during the match. He also got moments to do double team moves with his tag partners. He was able to land a Diving Cross Body to Endo and slam Masada with a Full Nelson Buster. The finish however came down to Ueno pinning Okatani with the Best Moonsault Ever.

With his team declared the winners, Takechi loudly proclaimed after the match that pro wrestling is the best! He said the power of everyone who came to support him is amazing and inspired him to do even better. There is still a lot he would like to do inside the ring so if he ever gets another chance he will take it. He didn’t appreciate how Okatani treated him during the match so he would like to fight him again. There are 15 other members of THE RAMPAGE so he hopes any of the DDT Fans who are impressed with him will take up an interest in following the group. The same goes for any of THE RAMPAGE’s fans if they liked what they saw from DDT today. Ueno teased that perhaps one day Takechi will fight him for the KO-D Title but he’ll have to work a little harder to get there. So this might not be the last we will see of Kaisei Takechi in DDT!

MAO’s adventure with the DDT Universal Title took him over to fight against a high level kickboxer. Hikaru Machida. The two had unfinished business over a KO-D Tag Team Titles defence one year ago and Machida was looking to avenge losing that match. A battle of strikes broke out and then the two fought outside the ring over by one of Korakuen’s staircases. Machida hit his patented Iai Punch but MAO reached for the ropes to avoid getting pinned. MAO then used a Stunner to break out of the strikes and pinned Machida with the Michinoku Driver II to win.

MAO was full of praise for Machida and then called himself the best DDT Universal Champion ever. He announced his plans to defend the title at “DDT GOES PHILADELPHIA!” in America on 4th April. However Takeshi Masada suddenly entered the ring with his own idea. He wants to win the title from MAO before they go to America so Masada will be the champion in Philadelphia. MAO told Masada he only has one rule for this championship. He only wants challengers he feels comfortable entrusting the title with should they beat him for it. He thinks that is too high of a hurdle for Masada to climb but if the fans want to see the match, he will agree to do it at DDT’s 27th Anniversary show on 17th March.

Today is Rukiya’s 23rd birthday so he was eager to do his best in his tag match. Yoshitatsu patronised him by giving him a pat on the head and rubbing his hair. Yukio Naya played his part to keep Rukiya in the fight. He hit Kazusada Higuchi with a Knee Lift so Rukiya could then do the Proto Bomb but Yoshitatsu made it in to break the pin. Naya then had to break the pin when Higuchi gave Rukiya the Doctor Bomb. Rukiya used what energy he had left to throw Elbow Strikes until Higuchi knocked him down with a Lariat and pinned him with the Brain Claw Slam.

To-y was supposed to take on HARASHIMA but unfortunately the match was cancelled because HARASHIMA tested positive for covid over the weekend. MJ Paul became To-y’s new opponent and he attacked him with a chair outside the ring. To-y rebounded and had Paul on the ropes when the rest of DAMNATION T.A decided to interfere. Thankfully To-y had Katsumata in his corner and he stopped KANON from doing a chair attack. To-y then rolled up Paul with a School Boy during the chaos and got the 3 count for the upset victory.

While Jun Akiyama was away in America this weekend wrestling in AEW, the other two members of D.O.A teamed with Toru Owashi to take on Kazuki Hirata’s new unit. Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor’s first match together was a successful one and it was a win against two-thirds of the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions! The non-wrestling fans in Korakuen were given an eyeful thanks to Danshoku Dieno pulling the back of his tights down and laying himself over the top turnbuckle. Even Toru Owashi went above expectations by using the Lip Lock on Naruki Doi. A lot of wrestlers got their faces pressed against Dieno’s butt until Doi trapped Makoto Oishi with a Crucifix Pin to win the match.

Doi admitted it is shocking that Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor won their first match and it ended with him pinning a champion. That means they should get the next shot at the KO-D 6-Man Tag Titles! Oishi argued that he is the weakest wrestler in DDT so Doi shouldn’t be proud of the result. Doi disagreed because Hirata is the weakest. Oishi won’t accept the challenge unless the other team puts something on the line. Doi suggested his team put their hair on the line but Oishi refused because they all have short cuts. Oishi then offered to disband Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor if they lose. Oishi thinks that idea is too much but Doi said he would be happy with either winning the titles or breaking up the team he doesn’t even want to be part of. The challenge was accepted and will take place on 17th March. Later backstage Shinya Aoki made demands for a rematch with Chihiro Hashimoto. He lost to Hashimoto on a DDT show at the end of December 2022 and wants revenge! DDT later announced that match will go ahead at the 7th April Korakuen show.

DAMNATION T.A also used a chair as a weapon to help set up their win against Akito & Soma Takao. After a ref bump, Daisuke Sasaki kicked Takao below the belt and then hit both opponents with the chair. Then Sasaki & KANON gave Takao the Freedom Call for the tainted win.

SCHADENFREUDE International found a convoluted way to win the opening match. But before that happened Antonio Honda got to tell his latest Gongitsune joke and engage in a twisted nipple battle with Yuki Iino. Later Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi physically manipulated Yuni & Ilusion into doing a Rolling Cradle on each other. CDK then piled on top of them to score the pinfall.

After the match Brookes told the fans he had a present for them and it is a dramatic dream that involves a friend of his. Out walked Zack Sabre Jr. from New Japan down to the ring! He is here because he wants to have a match in DDT! Brookes asked him who he would like to face. Sabre said Yoshihiko and the Ladder. Unfortunately Yoshihiko’s asking price is too high and the Ladder he’s thinking of has been retired for years. Sabre then said he would like to fight two champions so how about Yuki Ueno & MAO? Brookes can even team with him so it can be a tag match! Ueno & MAO heard the challenge and came down to the ring to accept it. It will happen on the 7th April Korakuen show.

DDT announced the next KO-D Title match after 17th March will be at Sumida Ward General Gymnasium on 26th April. Also Konosuke Takeshita will appear at “WRESTLE PETER PAN 2024” at Sumo Hall on 21st July.

DDT “INTO THE FIGHT 2024 TOUR IN YOKOHAMA” Results

DDT “INTO THE FIGHT 2024 TOUR IN YOKOHAMA”, 23/02/2024
Yokohama Radiant Hall
281 Fans – Super No Vacancy

1. Daisuke Sasaki & KANON defeated MAO & Kazuki Hirata when KANON submitted Hirata with the Cobra Twist (9:13).
2. Danshoku Dieno defeated Rukiya with the Oyashirazu (5:54).
3. Special Single Match: Yoshitatsu defeated Soma Takao with the This Is My WWE (9:51).
4. Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Iino defeated Kazusada Higuchu & Makoto Oishi when Iino pinned Oishi with the Spear (13:05).
5. Special 6-Man Tag Match: Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y defeated HARASHIMA, Yukio Naya & Hideki Okatani when Katsumata pinned Okatani with a Foot Stomp (17:06).
6. KO-D 10-Man Tag Team Titles: Chris Brookes, Masahiro Takanashi, Antonio Honda, Takeshi Masada & Mecha Mummy (c) defeated Maya Yukihi, Ram Kaichow, Rina Yamashita, Sanshiro Takagi & Akito when Honda pinned Akito with a Japanese Leg Lock Clutch (23:45).
*V1 for SCHADENFREUDE International & Mecha Mummy.

The business alliance of DDT’s management and RebelxEnemy was not powerful enough to dethrone SCHADENFREUDE International. With the KO-D 10-Man Tag Team Titles on the line, the champions retained thanks to Antonio Honda in the end. It came down to Honda after Sanshiro Takagi got rid of Takeshi Masada with the Sling Blade and Stunner. Also Mecha Mummy’s drill failed against the toughness of Rina Yamashita. The bright spot for SCHADENFREUDE came when Chris Brookes Military Pressed Ram Kaichow out of the ring onto everyone on the floor below. Honda had to fight with Akito and came out the better of a back and forth exchange by pinning Akito with a Japanese Leg Lock Clutch. Honda thanked his team and told them they are all good men (or mecha in Mecha Mummy’s case). He admits he keeps losing and the thing he is losing most lately is the flow of time. He is 46 and that scares him. But he is able to win today’s match because of his friends. He doesn’t just mean SCHADENFREUDE International but also everyone who came to see the show today, especially those who bought merchandise! Backstage they all celebrated with drinks and splashed bottles of water over Honda. Some of it splashed onto Mummy though and it short circuited.

Meanwhile the RebelxEnemy wrestlers were mad at Takagi & Akito for losing the match. Maya Yukihi really wanted to win the titles and is so upset about losing it makes her want to cry. Kaichow put all of the blame on those two and even fired them! She doesn’t know what she is firing them from but they’re fired. Takagi pleaded with Kaichow to change her mind and offered her a new business partnership. Kaichow considered it depending on how much they will be paid for it. Takagi told her to discuss that with Akito and left him alone to deal with the negotiations. Akito didn’t know what to do so he told RebelxEnemy he will call them and then ran off. Kaichow told the others it’s no wonder why DDT only consists of men nowadays.

Two of the upcoming title matches were showcased in the semi-main event. It showed The 37KAMIINA are in good shape going against their challengers. HARASHIMA landed the Somato on Yuki Ueno but Ueno kicked out of the pin and fired back with a one legged Dropkick. Shunma Katsumata won the match in the end by catching Hideki Okatani with a standing Double Stomp to get the pinfall. Katsumata bragged about how well he’s been doing since returning from injury and he will keep the momentum going until he defends the DDT Extreme Title against Okatani. He wants Okatani to know that he can still wrestle without the need for weapons or death matches. HARASHIMA believes he is in great shape too even if the match result doesn’t reflect it.

Danshoku Dieno had a toothache going into his match against Rukiya and it bothered him throughout. Rukiya took advantage by using Headlocks and Elbow Strikes aimed at Dieno’s jaw. However Dieno countered one of the Headlocks into a Modified Armbar and Rukiya gave up. Dieno held onto the move after the match because the toothache was getting to him. Makoto Oishi had to get into the ring and get him to stop.

The new unit led by Kazuki Hirata now has a name. He is calling the group Zuncha♪Muscle Survivor! It combines a little bit of everything from the three members. Hirata is the Zuncha (rhythm of the beat), Naruki Doi is the Muscle and Shinya Aoki is the Survivor. He believes as long as the focus is on the two strong members Doi & Aoki, they won’t lose.