New Japan Pro-Wrestling held its NJPW Destruction in Kobe event on September 24 from World Hall in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. This is the first major Show part of the “DESTRUCTION” Tour where the 2nd major show “DESTRUCTION in RYOGOKU” being the final stop.
Some of the key take aways from the show include first a shocker as SHO has claimed the KOPW 2023 Provisional Champion, emerging victorious in a clash against Taichi at when SHO secured the win with the Shock Arrow (13:01). However, a significant twist unfolded during this match when Yoshinobu Kanemaru, a long-time friend of Taichi, made a shocking turn. He abandoned his team of JUST 5 GUY and joined the HOUSE OF TORTURE, which was the major factor for SHO getting the victory. This seemingly leaves JUST 5 GUYS back to just 4 members.
The next title match of the night was for the IWGP Tag Team Championship which saw Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI, Bishamon successfully retained the titles against TMDK’s Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls. The champions got the win when Goto thwarted a Tank Buster attempt from Haste, allowing YOSHI-HASHI to swiftly hit the Crucifix Bomb on Nicholls for the winning pin (12:29) allowing the champions the retain the titles (V2). However, in the aftermath of their hard-fought victory, it appeared that Goto had sustained an injury to his right knee during the later stages of the match. As a precautionary measure, he was promptly escorted from the arena to receive medical attention.
The semi-main saw G1 Climax 33 winner Tetsuya Naito fighting for redemption of his previous loss to Jeff Cobb in G1 Climax 33 tournament and achieved it by triumphing over the United Empire’s Imperial Unit. In this special singles bout, Naito secured the victory courtesy of his finishing move, the Destino (14:17). This victory marked a significant milestone for Naito as he overcame what seemingly looks like the final obstacle on his journey toward challenging for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the main event of January 4th Tokyo Dome show. We will find out if there are any more challenges Naito has to overcome to get there.
In the Main Event, the IWGP US (UK) Heavyweight Championship up for grabs which saw Will Ospreay defend the gold against challanger Yota Tsuji. The two delivered an incredible match but it was Will Ospreay who managed to successfully defend his IWGP US (UK) Heavyweight Championship (V1) when Ospreay got the pin on Tsuji (27:51) via the Storm Breaker, following a Hidden Blade, to retain his the title. In a display of sportsmanship, Ospreay commended Tsuji for his remarkable performance and offered words of encouragement, highlighting a promising future for Tsuji within New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, the post-match excitement continued as Zack Sabre Jr. made a surprise appearance in the ring and engaged Ospreay in a challenge, delivering his message in Japanese. Recognized as two of the finest British wrestlers in the world today, Sabre Jr. proposed a showdown for the IWGP US/UK Title, set to take place on October 14th at “Royal Quest III,” hosted at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. Zack and Ospreay hinted at this match at the Rev Pro 11th Anniversary show in August but now seemingly confirmed and just awaiting an official announcment.
Find the full results of the show below.
NJPW “DESTRUCTION in KOBE” Full Results (24/9):
Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney (BULLET CLUB War Dogs) def. Kevin Knight & Tiger Mask
DOUKI, SANADA & TAKA Michinoku (Just 5 Guys) def. Dick Togo, EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi (House Of Torture)
El Phantasmo, Hikuleo, Jado, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa (Guerrillas Of Destiny) def. Alex Coughlin, Chase Owens, David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo (BULLET CLUB)
Lio Rush & YOH (CHAOS) def. BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi (Los Ingobernables de Japon)
Bad Dude Tito & Zack Sabre Jr. (TMDK) def. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS)
No Time Limit – NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Provisional Championship match, House of Torture and Just Five Guys Handcuffed: SHO def. Taichi (c) to win the title.
IWGP Tag Team Championship match: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI (Bishamon) (c) def. Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste (TMDK)
Shingo Takagi def. Great-O-Khan
Tetsuya Naito def. Jeff Cobb
Main Event – IWGP US (UK) Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) def. Yota Tsuji
Author: Rohit Singh Karir